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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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NTSB Report

July 4, 2021 · Vans RV7 A · N654C

Pottstown, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 4, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Pottstown, PA
Aircraft
Vans RV7 A (2019)
Tail Number
N654C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
ERA21LA277

The pilot stated that, after a normal preflight inspection and engine run-up, the engine lost all power about 800 ft above ground level during takeoff. He attempted to return to the airport; however, the airplane impacted terrain before the runway and a postcrash fire ensued. Most of the airplane was destroyed by fire. The extensive thermal damage precluded examination of the engine, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

Full Narrative

On July 4, 2021, about 1252 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built RV-7A, N654C, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Pottstown, Pennsylvania. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, who was also the owner/builder of the airplane, a preflight inspection and engine run-up were normal. During the initial climb after takeoff, at 800 ft mean sea level, the engine lost all power and the pilot attempted to return to the airport; however, the airplane impacted terrain before the runway and a postcrash fire ensued. The pilot reported that, at the time of the accident, the airplane had accrued about 3.4 total flight hours. He reported that the airplane logbooks were in the airplane at the time of the accident. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident site, only the outer portions of both wings and a portion of the tail were undamaged by the fire. The engine and cockpit sustained extensive fire damage. The electric ignition system, wiring harness, and fuel pumps were all fractured and melted. The airplane was equipped with a Subaru engine. The automotive fuel that the pilot used to fuel the airplane was stored in a bucket in the pilot’s hangar. It did not contain any water or other visible contaminants.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:52 EDT
Nearest AirportHeritage Fld (0.1nm WNW)
Runway10/2
Runway Length3371 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftVans RV7 A
Tail NumberN654C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSubaru · EZ3.0 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 62 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 12000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.91 inHg
Observation Time12:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data