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September 3, 2009 · Wright Bruce M AVID Flyer · N583AF

Hitchcock, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 3, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Hitchcock, TX
Aircraft
Wright Bruce M AVID Flyer
Tail Number
N583AF
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN09LA572

Shortly after takeoff the airplane's engine experienced a complete loss of power. With trees straight ahead, the pilot elected to turn left towards a clearing. Unable to reach the clearing, the airplane impacted trees and, subsequently, the ground. The airplane came to rest in a nose-down position and the pilot was able to exit unassisted. The pilot further reported that prior to takeoff he had performed a preflight inspection and verified sufficient fuel and oil for the flight. An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site. The inspector reported that the airplane's left wing and fuselage had sustained structural damage. The reason for the reported loss of engine power was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C

Full Narrative

On September 3, 2009, about 1300 central daylight time, a single-engine Wright Bruce Avid Flyer experimental airplane, N583AF, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Hitchcock, Texas. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. During a telephone conversation, the pilot stated that shortly after takeoff the engine experienced a complete loss of power. With trees straight ahead the pilot elected to turn left towards a clearing. Unable to reach the clearing, the airplane impacted trees and subsequently the ground. The airplane came to rest in a nose down position and the pilot was able to exit unassisted. The pilot further reported that prior to takeoff he had performed a preflight inspection and verified sufficient fuel and oil for the flight. An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the accident site. The inspector reported that the airplane's left wing and fuselage had sustained structural damage. The reason for the reported loss of engine power was not determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:00 CDT
Nearest AirportJohnnie Volk Field (0nm)
Runway35
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftWright Bruce M AVID Flyer
Tail NumberN583AF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJabiru · 2200 · Reciprocating · 80
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.06 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data