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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

August 23, 2009 · Rewey William M CH 801 · N171WR

Cottage Grove, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 23, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Cottage Grove, WI
Aircraft
Rewey William M CH 801
Tail Number
N171WR
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09CA537

The pilot reported that the takeoff and initial climb were normal, but that, about 300 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. He lowered the airplane’s nose to establish a glide and set-up for a forced landing. He executed an emergency landing to an area of tall grass adjacent to a pond. The pilot noted that the airplane “stalled out perhaps 5 [feet] or 10 [feet] above the 5 [foot] high grass--then came down hard.” The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rear wing spar and attachment fittings. A postaccident inspection revealed that the carburetor fuel inlet screen was blocked with metal particles, sand, dirt, insects and other debris. The pilot stated that although he had inspected the gascolator screen, he had not inspected the fuel system screens. The pilot was also the owner and builder of the amateur-built airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation from a blocked fuel screen that resulted from the pilot/owner's inadequate inspection and maintenance of the fuel system.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that the takeoff and initial climb were normal. He stated that about 300 feet above ground level (agl), the engine lost power. He lowered the airplane’s nose to establish a glide and set-up for a forced landing. He executed an emergency landing to an area of tall grass adjacent to a pond. The pilot noted that the airplane “stalled out perhaps 5 [feet] or 10 [feet] above the 5 [foot] high grass – then came down hard.” The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rear wing spar and attachment fittings. A post accident inspection revealed that the carburetor fuel inlet screen was blocked with metal particles, sand, dirt, insects and other debris. The pilot stated that although he had inspected the gascolator screen, he had not inspected the fuel system screens. The pilot was also the owner and builder of the amateur-built airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:28 CDT
Nearest AirportBlackhawk Airfield (1nm)
Runway09
Runway Length2203 ft
Runway Width56 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRewey William M CH 801
Tail NumberN171WR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 81 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2600 ft
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 54
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data