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March 23, 2015 · Picard Roy J RV 4 · N945RV

Marathon, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 23, 2015
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Marathon, TX
Aircraft
Picard Roy J RV 4 (1994)
Tail Number
N945RV
Operator
Jones Guilford
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN15LA179

The pilot reported that, during takeoff climb, the engine sputtered, followed by a total loss of power. The pilot executed a forced landing into a field, and the airplane impacted a fence and nosed over. A postaccident examination of the fuel system, engine, and cockpit controls revealed no evidence of any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of any mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Full Narrative

On March 23, 2015, about 0850 central standard time, a Roy J Picard RV-4 airplane, N945RV, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Marathon, Texas. The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger suffered minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, with no flight plan filed. The flight originated from the Los Muertos Airport (6TE2), Marathon, Texas about 0845 and was destined for Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR), Tyler, Texas. During departure climb from 6TE2, the pilot noticed the engine sputter, followed by a total loss of power. The pilot executed a forced landing into a field, impacted a fence and nosed over, which damaged the right wing, vertical stabilizer and fuselage. On scene responders to the accident site reported fuel leaking from both wing tanks. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the engine, fuel system, and cockpit controls and found no evidence of anomalies, mechanical malfunctions, or heat distress that would have precluded normal engine operation. A teardown exam of the engine and fuel system was not performed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:50 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPicard Roy J RV 4
Tail NumberN945RV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJones Guilford
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-320 SERIES · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class · Serious
Crew 2Age 56 · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 39 C
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data