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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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September 10, 2005 · Keith Avid Amphibian · N54BX

Buchanan, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 10, 2005
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Buchanan, MI
Aircraft
Keith Avid Amphibian
Tail Number
N54BX
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI05CA263

The amateur-built amphibian airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted a power line and terrain during a forced landing after a loss of power following a water takeoff. The pilot reported that he performed a complete preflight and that the engine was running "extremely well." The tachometer was reading 6,500 RPM and all temperatures were in the normal range during climbout. He did a crosswind turn at 300 feet above ground level to stay in the pattern for another water landing. He reported that 10 seconds after the turn, the engine stopped. The pilot reported that there was no indication of any engine problem before the engine stopped. He reported, "It acted as though the ignition switch was turned off." The on-site inspection of the engine did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the unsuitable terrain for landing encountered by the pilot. A factor was the power lines.

Full Narrative

On September 10, 2005, at 0945 eastern daylight time, an amateur-built Keith Avid Amphibian, N54BX, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a power line and terrain during a forced landing after a loss of power following a water takeoff near Buchanan, Michigan. The private pilot received minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Niles, Michigan, at 0900 on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he performed a complete preflight and that the engine was running "extremely well." He reported that the tachometer was reading 6,500 RPM and all temperatures were in the normal range during climbout. He did a crosswind turn at 300 feet above ground level to stay in the pattern for another water landing. He reported that 10 seconds after the turn, the engine stopped. The pilot reported that there was no indication of any engine problem before the engine stopped. He reported, "It acted as though the ignition switch was turned off." The on-site inspection of the engine did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftKeith Avid Amphibian
Tail NumberN54BX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 582 · Reciprocating · 68

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Sprt

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0

Appendix: Source Data