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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

October 11, 2005 · Appel RDA 04 · N835RA

Clovis, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 11, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Clovis, NM
Aircraft
Appel RDA 04
Tail Number
N835RA
Operator
William G Ashley
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX06CA007

The airplane impacted terrain while attempting to return to the runway following a loss of engine power in the takeoff initial climb. The pilot/owner reported that he had sumped the fuel system prior to the flight. After the accident, the pilot sumped the fuel tanks and found water. The pilot found that the placement of the fuel drain did not facilitate the removal of water from the wing tanks.

NTSB Probable Cause

a loss of engine power due to water contamination of the fuel system. The inadequate placement of the fuel system drain by the builder was a factor.

Full Narrative

This report is based on information received by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case. For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries. The airplane impacted terrain while attempting to return to the runway following a loss of engine power at Clovis Municipal Airport, Clovis, New Mexico. The pilot/owner reported that he had sumped the fuel system prior to the flight. After the accident, the pilot sumped the fuel tanks and found water. The pilot found that the placement of the fuel drain did not facilitate the removal of water from the wing tanks.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:52 MDT
Nearest AirportClovis Muni (0nm)
Runway022
Runway Length6200 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftAppel RDA 04
Tail NumberN835RA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliam G Ashley
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine Details1/2 Volkswagen · AE378410 · Reciprocating · 45
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 43 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time13:35
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data