Port Orchard, WA, USA
N6540C
DE HAVILLAND DHC-1
The pilot reported that he performed several engine runs prior to departure as the airplane had not flown in approximately 15 months. After departure, and about 400 to 500 feet above the ground, the engine lost power without warning. The pilot initiated a forced landing through tall trees to a heavily vegetated field. The airplane's engine separated from its mount and the empennage was bent approximately 30 degrees to the left. Both wings and the fuselage were bent and wrinkled. The airplane's maintenance records indicated that a conditional inspection had been signed off just before the accident flight. A postaccident examination of the airplane was performed by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and a mechanic. During the inspection, a mixture of fuel and water was found in an unsumpable gascolator located on the firewall. The owner of the airplane reported that the airplane had been parked outside for several days prior to the accident flight, and during this time it rained heavily in the area.
On June 23, 2010, at 1852 Pacific daylight time, an experimental DeHavilland DHC-1, N6540C, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power on takeoff from the Vaughan Ranch Airfield (WN13), Port Orchard, Washington. The private pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries. The owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, which was originating at the time of the accident. A flight plan had not been filed. The pilot stated that this was the airplane's first flight in approximately 15 months. He performed several engine runs on the ground where a minor problem was identified and fixed. Departure was on runway 20 with a left teardrop turn over the field. The pilot said he was about 400 to 500 feet above the ground when suddenly there was a complete power loss. There was no surging or backfiring. He performed a forced landing through tall trees to a heavily vegetated field. The airplane's engine separated from its mount and the empennage was bent approximately 30 degrees to the left. Both wings and the fuselage were bent and wrinkled. The airplane's maintenance records indicated that a condition inspection had been signed off on June 23, 2010. The records further indicated that the airplane's wings, flaps, ailerons, and empennage had just been covered with new fabric. Additionally, both fuel bladders had been overhauled and reinstalled. A postaccident examination of the airplane was performed by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector and a mechanic. They drained a mixture of fuel and water from an unsumpable gascolator, which was located on the firewall. The owner of the airplane reported that the airplane had been parked outside for several days prior to the accident flight. He further stated that during this time period, there were numerous heavy rains in the area.
A loss of engine power during initial climb due to water contamination in the fuel.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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