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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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October 3, 2024 · North American Navion · N9117R

Rutherfordton, NC

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 3, 2024
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Rutherfordton, NC
Aircraft
North American Navion (1949)
Tail Number
N9117R
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA25LA007

On October 03, 2024, about 1730 eastern daylight time, a North American Navion airplane, N9117R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Rutherford County Airport / Marchman Field (FQD), Rutherfordton, North Carolina. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he departed Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (JQF), Concord, North Carolina and was destined for FQD. On final approach to runway 19 at FQD, the pilot heard a loud “pop” and felt heat coming from behind the pilot and copilot’s seats. As the airplane approached the runway threshold, the cabin filled with smoke, and fire was visible in the cabin. During the landing, the airplane’s nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest on the runway. The inflight and postaccident fire consumed a majority of the airplane. The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Full Narrative

On October 03, 2024, about 1730 eastern daylight time, a North American Navion airplane, N9117R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Rutherford County Airport / Marchman Field (FQD), Rutherfordton, North Carolina. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he departed Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (JQF), Concord, North Carolina and was destined for FQD. On final approach to runway 19 at FQD, the pilot heard a loud “pop” and felt heat coming from behind the pilot and copilot’s seats. As the airplane approached the runway threshold, the cabin filled with smoke, and fire was visible in the cabin. During the landing, the airplane’s nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest on the runway. The inflight and postaccident fire consumed a majority of the airplane. The wreckage was retained for further examination.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 EDT
Nearest AirportRutherford County Airport/Marc (0.5nm N)
Runway19
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireBoth
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNorth American Navion
Tail NumberN9117R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.10 inHg
Observation Time17:25
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data