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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 31, 2003 · Collier Quickie · N389Q

Alexander, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 31, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Alexander, AL
Aircraft
Collier Quickie
Tail Number
N389Q
Operator
James Annabel
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL03LA102

According to the pilot, during climb out the engine began to emit smoke. The pilot attempted to return to the airport for an emergency landing. During the approach to land, the cockpit filled with smoke and the engine began to run rough. While on final approach to land the airplane collided with trees. Examination of the engine revealed that it produced compression on both cylinders when the crankshaft was rotated. The spark plugs were tan in color, and signs of fuel were noted on the spark plug electrodes. The ignition wiring harness on the engine was twist tied in several places, and covered with electrical tape. The fuel tank contained approximately a half a tank of fuel. Examination of the exhaust system revealed that the exhaust muffler was vented outside of the airframe under the engine compartment. There were no breaches in the exhaust system. The aircraft maintenance logs were not recovered for examination. At the conclusion of the examination no defects with the engine or airframe were found.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss engine of power due to undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On May 31, 2003, at 1317 central daylight time, a Collier, Quickie, N389Q, registered to a private owner and operated by a student pilot, collided with trees while conducting an emergency landing at the Thomas C. Russell Field, Alexander City, Alabama. Visual conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was conducted under the provision of Title 14 CFR Part 91 and visual flight rules. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot reported no injuries. The flight departed Alexander City, Alabama, on May 31, 2003, at 1300. According to the pilot, during climb out the engine began to emit smoke. The pilot attempted to return to the airport for an emergency landing. During the approach to land, the cockpit filled with smoke and the engine began to run rough. While on final approach to land the airplane collided with trees at the approach end of runway. Examination of the engine revealed that it produced compression on both cylinders when the crankshaft was rotated. The spark plugs were tan in color, and signs of fuel were noted on the spark plug electrodes. The ignition wiring harness on the engine was twist tied in several places, and covered with electrical tape. The fuel tank contained approximately a half a tank of fuel. Examination of the exhaust system revealed that the exhaust muffler was vented outside of the airframe under the engine compartment. There were no breaches in the exhaust system. The aircraft maintenance logs were not recovered for examination. During the examination, no mechanical defects with the engine or airframe were found.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:17 CDT
Nearest AirportThomas C Russell Fld (0nm N)
Runway18
Runway Length5417 ft
Runway Width96 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCollier Quickie
Tail NumberN389Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames Annabel
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 447 · Reciprocating · 40
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 24 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 10 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.77 inHg
Observation Time19:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data