# NTSB ATL97LA122: Zenair 701, N105RC, Spruce Creek, FL, August 11, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: August 11, 1997, 10:30 local (14:30 UTC) - Place: Spruce Creek, FL - Coordinates: 29.169727, -81.140876 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.1697&lon=-81.1409&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report February 2, 1998 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3890 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL97LA122 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3890/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA122 ## Probable cause The failure of the engine for undetermined reasons, while maneuvering close to the ground. Factors included the soft terrain and the conditions favorable for carburetor icing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - downwind - 1 engine - undetermined (cause) - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor) ## Analysis According to the pilot, he completed a pre-flight and filled the two cycle, outboard motor engine with Amoco high grade gasoline. After flying around the area for about an hour, the pilot landed the airplane at Spruce Creek Airport. The pilot stated he then taxied back for takeoff and departed for closed pattern work. At an altitude of 50 feet, the pilot stated the engine 'lost about 100 RPM, but was still climbing'. Upon turning downwind at 500 feet, the engine quit. Unable to return to the airport, the pilot landed in a wet field. The airplane sank into the mud upon touchdown, and it burst into flames. The atmospheric conditions were favorable to carburetor icing. ## Factual narrative On August 11, 1997, at 1030 eastern daylight time, a Zenair 701, N105RC, collided with the ground while attempting an emergency landing at Spruce Creek Airport, Spruce Creek, Florida. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. The prevailing weather was visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. No flight plan was filed for this personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the private pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The local flight originated at 0930. According to the pilot, this flight was a demonstration for the passenger who hoped to purchase the amateur built, experimental airplane. The pilot did a pre-flight, and he filled the two cycle, outboard motor engine with Amoco high grade gasoline. After flying in the area for about an hour, the pilot landed the airplane at Spruce Creek Airport. Up to this point, the pilot stated "the engine had been running beautifully", and the gages all read normal values. After taxiing back for takeoff, the airplane departed for closed pattern work. At an altitude of 50 feet, the pilot stated the engine "lost about 100 RPM, but was still climbing". While on the downwind leg at about 500 feet, the engine quit. The pilot attempted to turn and land at Spruce Creek Airport, but was unable to reach the airport. The pilot stated he decided to land in a wet field. When he did, the aircraft "sank in mud about 6" deep and instantly burst into flames". The airplane was significantly burned before the fire trucks arrived. The atmospheric conditions were favorable for carburetor icing. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N105RC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N105RC-1998-05-29), registration cancelled 1998-05-29, S/N 71714 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Zenair 701 - Registry model: [Conn R R / Mcdonald T G ZENAIR 701](https://openairdocs.org/model/conn-r-r-mcdonald-t-g-zenair-701) (registry code 95708CM) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 7-1714 - Airframe hours: 5 - Engines: AMW 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Fire: On-Ground - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Robert R. Conn - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: 44J - Airport: 44J, Spruce Creek Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 81; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,100 total, 400 in this make and model, 1,100 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 73 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: DAB, 7 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19970811021629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970811021629A), Aug 11, 1997: Amtr ZENAIR701, Daytona Beach, FL, Substantial damage. Performing demo for purchase, on downwind at 500FT AGL, engine quit, attempted to turn and land, landed hard. (.19) on August 11, 1997, at 1030 eastern… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.