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June 24, 2010 · De Havilland DHC-1 · N6540C

Port Orchard, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 24, 2010
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Port Orchard, WA
Aircraft
De Havilland DHC-1
Tail Number
N6540C
Operator
John Geyman
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR10LA313

The pilot reported that he performed several engine runs prior to departure as the airplane had not flown in approximately 15 months. After departure, and about 400 to 500 feet above the ground, the engine lost power without warning. The pilot initiated a forced landing through tall trees to a heavily vegetated field. The airplane's engine separated from its mount and the empennage was bent approximately 30 degrees to the left. Both wings and the fuselage were bent and wrinkled. The airplane's maintenance records indicated that a conditional inspection had been signed off just before the accident flight. A postaccident examination of the airplane was performed by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and a mechanic. During the inspection, a mixture of fuel and water was found in an unsumpable gascolator located on the firewall. The owner of the airplane reported that the airplane had been parked outside for several days prior to the accident flight, and during this time it rained heavily in the area.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power during initial climb due to water contamination in the fuel.

Full Narrative

On June 23, 2010, at 1852 Pacific daylight time, an experimental DeHavilland DHC-1, N6540C, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power on takeoff from the Vaughan Ranch Airfield (WN13), Port Orchard, Washington. The private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries. The owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, which was originating at the time of the accident. A flight plan had not been filed. The pilot stated that this was the airplane's first flight in approximately 15 months. He performed several engine runs on the ground where a minor problem was identified and fixed. Departure was on runway 20 with a left teardrop turn over the field. The pilot said he was about 400 to 500 feet above the ground when suddenly there was a complete power loss. There was no surging or backfiring. He performed a forced landing through tall trees to a heavily vegetated field. The airplane's engine separated from its mount and the empennage was bent approximately 30 degrees to the left. Both wings and the fuselage were bent and wrinkled. The airplane's maintenance records indicated that a condition inspection had been signed off on June 23, 2010. The records further indicated that the airplane's wings, flaps, ailerons, and empennage had just been covered with new fabric. Additionally, both fuel bladders had been overhauled and reinstalled. A postaccident examination of the airplane was performed by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and a mechanic. They drained a mixture of fuel and water from an unsumpable gascolator, which was located on the firewall. The owner of the airplane reported that the airplane had been parked outside for several days prior to the accident flight. He further stated that during this time period, there were numerous heavy rains in the area.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:52 PDT
Nearest AirportVaughan Ranch Airfield (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDe Havilland DHC-1
Tail NumberN6540C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn Geyman
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · Gipsy Major · Reciprocating · 145
Seats2500

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time01:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data