Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary NYC01LA027

GREENVILLE, ME, USA

Aircraft #1

N51AT

O Loughlin WAG-A-BOND

Analysis

The airplane departed, and while approximately 2 miles west of the airport, the pilot initiated a climbing turn from 2,500 feet msl to 3,000 feet. Passing 2,800 feet, the airplane lost engine power. The pilot checked the position of the fuel valves, selected the carburetor heat to 'ON' and mixture to full rich. He noted that after the loss of power, the propeller continued to windmill. The pilot attempted a forced landing to a golf course. While on final for a fairway, and flying towards rising terrain, the pilot had to trade airspeed for altitude to clear some trees. After clearing the trees, airspeed was inadequate to cushion the landing, and the airplane touched down hard, collapsing the landing gear. The airplane came to a stop, and the pilot exited under his own power. Examination of the engine and engine accessories revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions.

Factual Information

On October 27, 2000, at 0845 Eastern Daylight Time, a homebuilt Wag-A-Bond, N51AT, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near the Greenville Municipal Airport, Greenville, Maine. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal local flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he departed Greenville about 0835, with 24 gallons of fuel onboard. While approximately 2 miles west of the airport, the pilot initiated a climbing turn from 2,500 feet msl to 3,000 feet. Passing 2,800 feet, the airplane lost engine power. The pilot checked the position of the fuel valves, selected the carburetor heat to "ON" and mixture to full rich. He noted that after the loss of power, the propeller continued to windmill. Unable to regain engine power, the pilot elected to land on a golf course. While on final for a fairway, and flying towards rising terrain, the pilot trade airspeed for altitude to clear some trees. After clearing the trees, airspeed was inadequate to cushion the landing, and the airplane touched down hard, collapsing the landing gear. The airplane came to a stop, and the pilot exited under his own power. An examination conducted under the direction of the Federal Aviation Administration revealed no preimpact failures or malfunctions with either the engine or engine accessories.

Probable Cause and Findings

Total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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