ATHENS, TX, USA
N30CK
CRAIGHEAD CORBEN JR. ACE
THE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE WAS ON ITS THIRD TEST FLIGHT WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER A FEW MINUTES AFTER DEPARTURE. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND LANDED IN A PASTURE. THE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED WHEN HE TURNED 'SHARPLY' TO AVOID HITTING A FENCE. THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE POWER LOSS COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.
On February 6, 1995, at 1000 central standard time, a Corben Jr. Ace homebuilt airplane, N30CK, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Athens, Texas. The private pilot, owner and builder of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal local flight. The pilot reported a normal runup and takeoff from the Athens Municipal Airport for the airplane's third test flight. The engine lost power a few minutes after he departed the traffic pattern. He attempted a restart, but was unsuccessful. After landing in a pasture, the pilot turned "sharply" left to avoid a fence. The landing gear collapsed and the right rear wing spar was damaged. The airplane was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector who observed no mechanical anomalies in the airframe or engine. The pilot reported that the engine "sat in his shop for 2 years before it was installed on the airplane."
THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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