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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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March 16, 2008 · Quad City Ultralight Aircraft Challenger I · UNREG

Rayle, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 16, 2008
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Rayle, GA
Aircraft
Quad City Ultralight Aircraft Challenger I
Tail Number
UNREG
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC08CA146

The non-certificated pilot was flying an unregistered amateur built Quad City Challenger I in cruise flight when the engine "stopped cold." During the forced landing, the airplane struck a power line, and sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The airplane was equipped with a non-certificated Rotax 503 engine. The pilot inspected the contents of the fuel tank, and found no contamination. He removed the fuel bowls from the engine's dual carburetors and found them to be full of fuel. He was able to rotate the engine by hand and believed the engine stoppage was caused by an ignition failure.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Wire-Not specified

Full Narrative

The non-certificated pilot reported flying the unregistered amateur built Quad City Challenger I at 1,300 feet msl, when the engine "stopped cold." During the forced landing, the airplane struck a power line, and sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot inspected the contents of the fuel tank, and found no contamination. He removed the fuel bowls from the engine's dual carburetors and found them to be full of fuel. He was able to rotate the engine by hand and believed the engine stoppage was caused by an ignition failure. The Challenger I was an ultralight-type aircraft equipped with a Rotax 503 engine. The Rotax 503 Operators Manual stated, "This engine, by its design, is subject to sudden stoppage. Engine stoppage can result in crash landings, forced landings or no power landings. . . . This is not a certified engine. It has not received any safety or durability testing, and conforms to no aircraft standards."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 EDT
Nearest AirportWashington-Wilkes (4nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftQuad City Ultralight Aircraft Challenger I
Tail NumberUNREG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating · 50
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 61 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 36 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time21:59
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data