# N55RN: 1973 Sportavia Putzer RF5B SPERBER

- Status: Valid registration
- Airframe: [Sportavia Putzer RF5B SPERBER](https://openairdocs.org/model/sportavia-putzer-rf5b-sperber) (registry code 8451016, 2 seats)
- Engine: [Volkswagen CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion) (registry code 63501)
- Serial number: 51026
- Year built: 1973
- Type: Glider
- Engine type: Reciprocating
- Airworthiness: Experimental, exhibition
- Airworthiness date: January 15, 1980
- Certificate issued: August 6, 1974
- Expires: February 29, 2028
- Mode S code: A6FE96
- Registered owners: [Richards William B](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/RICHARDS%20WILLIAM%20B), [Sinko James W](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/SINKO%20JAMES%20W)
- Location: [Gold Hill, OR](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/OR/Gold%20Hill)
- Owner type: Co-owned
- Owner's area on the map: 42.4308° N, 123.0598° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs at the center of ZIP code 97525, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs). The owner's mailing address, not where the aircraft is based
- FAA registry: https://registry.faa.gov/AircraftInquiry/Search/NNumberResult?nNumberTxt=55RN
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N55RN

From the FAA registry file of October 24, 2026. ADs below are matched by the registry's airframe and engine model codes. They may apply; each AD's applicability can narrow it by serial number, part number or installed equipment. This is not a compliance determination.

## ADs that may apply (OpenAirDocs): 0 in force

### Matched by airframe (Sportavia Putzer RF5B SPERBER)

None in force.

### Matched by engine (Volkswagen CONVERSION)

None in force.

## Information bulletins (advisory)

None matched.

## NTSB investigations

None matched to N55RN.

## FAA accident and incident reports (1)

From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [Incident 20100502032749I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100502032749I), May 2, 2010: Sportavia P RF5B SPERBE (N55RN), Medford, OR, Minor damage. After takeoff of experimental exhibition airplane pilot noted unusual feel during centerline main landing gear (MLG) retraction. The pilot attempted to extend…

## Service difficulty reports

None filed for this aircraft. Matched to this aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model.

## STCs that may be installed (OpenAirDocs)

None matched to this aircraft's models.

## Related

- Other Sportavia Putzer RF5B SPERBER aircraft: https://openairdocs.org/model/sportavia-putzer-rf5b-sperber/aircraft.md
- The Volkswagen CONVERSION engine: https://openairdocs.org/engine/volkswagen-conversion.md

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