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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

June 24, 2004 · Rufli · N6191R

Fairbanks, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 24, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fairbanks, AK
Aircraft
Rufli
Tail Number
N6191R
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC04LA067

The private pilot/owner of the experimental amateur built airplane reported a loss of engine power about 50 feet above the ground after takeoff from a private airstrip. During the ensuing forced landing, the airplane's right wing struck a parked and unoccupied airplane, and the left main landing gear collapsed. The accident airplane sustained structural damage to the fuselage and the right wing. Initial inspection of the airplane by the owner and FAA inspectors did not reveal any obvious signs of a mechanical malfunction. No additional information concerning what may have precipitated the loss of engine power was provided by the pilot to the NTSB.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason during takeoff-initial climb, which resulted in a forced landing and an on ground collision with a parked and unoccupied airplane.

Full Narrative

On June 24, 2004, about 0900 Alaska daylight time, a wheel-equipped Rufli homebuilt experimental airplane, N6191R, sustained substantial damage during an emergency landing following a loss of engine power after takeoff from a private airstrip, about 5 miles west of Fairbanks, Alaska. The solo private pilot was not injured. The Title 14, CFR Part 91 business flight was operated by the pilot/owner of the airplane. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) on June 24, the pilot related that shortly after takeoff from the grass and gravel airstrip, at an approximate altitude of 50 feet above the runway, the engine lost all power. He said he was able to make an emergency landing on the airstrip, but during the landing roll the right wing collided with a parked and unoccupied airplane. The accident airplane received structural damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot indicated he was unaware of any preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane, and did not know why the engine lost power. He noted that two FAA inspectors had made a preliminary inspection of the airplane, but they were unable to determine why the engine lost power. The pilot said as repairs were made to the airplane, he would forward any information discovered regarding what may have resulted in the loss of engine power to the NTSB IIC. The NTSB IIC had a telephone conversation on June 24 with one of the two FAA inspectors who had examined the airplane. He reported that his initial inspection disclosed no obvious mechanical issues that may have precipitated a loss of engine power. The pilot did not complete an NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Report, nor did he contact the NTSB IIC with any additional information regarding the accident or the reason the engine lost power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRufli
Tail NumberN6191R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Unknown · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data