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August 20, 2005 · Tichacek N-3 PUP · N7702X

Mead, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 20, 2005
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Mead, WA
Aircraft
Tichacek N-3 PUP
Tail Number
N7702X
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA05LA177

The pilot said that he had flown this airplane before, but this was the first flight with this engine. He said that immediately after takeoff the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot told the Federal Aviation Administration Inspector that he did not want to land in a housing area at the end of the runway; therefore, he reversed his flight path by applying full left rudder. The first responders found that the airplane had impacted a shed approximately 150 yards past the departure end of runway 34; the pilot said the airplane came to rest on airport property. The airplane's left wing was broken and nearly separated from the fuselage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

Full Narrative

On August 20, 2005, at approximately 1010 Pacific daylight time, a Tichacek, Preceptor, N-3 PUP experimental homebuilt, N7702X, was destroyed when it impacted a shed following a loss of power near Mead Flying Service Airport, Mead, Washington. The non-certificated pilot, the sole person on board, was seriously injured. The pilot/builder was operating the airplane under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local personal flight which was originating at the time of the accident. A flight plan had not been filed. The pilot said that he had flown this airplane before, but this was the first flight with this engine. He said that immediately after takeoff the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot told the Federal Aviation Administration Inspector that he did not want to land in a housing area at the end of the runway; therefore, he reversed his flight path by applying full left rudder. The first responders found that the airplane had impacted a shed approximately 150 yards past the departure end of runway 34; the pilot said the airplane came to rest on airport property. The airplane's left wing was broken and nearly separated from the fuselage; the pilot experienced a broken back and pelvis.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:10 PDT
Nearest AirportMead Flying Service Airport (0nm)
Runway34
Runway Length2480 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTichacek N-3 PUP
Tail NumberN7702X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsVolkswagen · 1835 · Reciprocating · 60
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 74 · None · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 48
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data