# NTSB CHI06CA002: Creed RV-4, N149KC, Mitchell, SD, October 6, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: October 6, 2005, 17:10 local (22:10 UTC)
- Place: Mitchell, SD
- Coordinates: 43.774723, -98.038612
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7747&lon=-98.0386&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 28, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Rapid City, SD FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 62767
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI06CA002
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62767/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA002

## Probable cause

The mechanic's improper installation of the air filter assembly which resulted in foreign debris inside the carburetor.  A factor associated with the accident was the rough terrain on which the airplane was landed.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, climb - to cruise
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - induction air control,air filter/screen
  - fuel system,carburetor - foreign material/substance (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, emergency landing
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The airplane collided with rough terrain during an off airport forced landing following a loss of engine power.  The pilot reported that the engine lost power as he was leveling off shortly after takeoff.  The pilot stated that he switched fuel tanks, checked the magnetos and carburetor heat, and verified that the fuel pump was on, but he was not able to regain full power.  The pilot reported that since he had "considerable altitude", he turned around to stay close to the airport.  He stated that he initially thought he would be able to make it back to the airport until the rate of descent increased and he determined that he was not going to make it back to the airport.  The pilot initially attempted to land on a highway, but because of traffic, he elected to land in a rough pasture.  Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed that bolts used to attach an air filter bracket to the carburetor had penetrated the carburetor bowl.  When the filter bracket and bolts were removed, fuel, pieces of metal, and silicone came out of two of the four bolt holes.  The pilot purchased the airplane on the day of the accident.  A review of the aircraft logbooks indicated an entry dated May 18, 1999,  stated, "Replaced nose cowling and spinner to install Vans airfilter kit."

## Factual narrative

On October 6, 2005, at 1710 central daylight time, an amateur built Kenny RV-4, N149KC, collided with the terrain during an off airport forced landing in Mitchell, South Dakota.  The pilot was not injured.  The airplane was substantially damaged.  The 14 Code of Federal Regulation Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan.  The flight had originated from the Mitchell Municipal Airport (MHE) just prior to the accident.

The pilot reported he departed MHE and he was leveling off when the engine lost power.  The pilot stated he switched fuel tanks, checked the magnetos and carburetor heat, and verified that the fuel pump was on, but he was not able to regain full power.  The pilot reported that since he had "considerable altitude", he turned around to stay close to the airport.  He stated he initially thought he would be able to make it back to the airport until the rate of descent increased and he determined he was not going to make it back to the airport.  The pilot initially attempted to land on a highway, but becasue of traffic, he elected to land in a rough pasture.

Post accident inspection of the airplane revealed that bolts used to attach a air filter bracket to the carburetor had penetrated the carburetor bowl.  When the filter bracket and bolts were removed, fuel, pieces of metal, and silicone came out of two of the four bolt holes.

The pilot had purchased the airplane on the day of the accident and was flying it from Lubbock, Texas, to his home airport when the accident occurred.

A review of the aircraft logbooks indicated an entry dated May 18, 1999,  stated, "Replaced nose cowling and spinner to install Vans airfilter kit."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N149KC](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N149KC), registered now, S/N 696 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Creed RV-4
- Registry model: [Creed Kenny M JR RV-4](https://openairdocs.org/model/creed-kenny-m-jr-rv-4) (registry code 056081Y) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 696
- Engines: Lycoming O-360-F1A6 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Gregory L. Schultz
- Registered owner: G B Aerial Applications, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: MHE, Mitchell, SD
- Destination: ROX, Roseau, MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; flight hours: 11,000 total, 75 in this make and model, 100 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 20051006025949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20051006025949A), Oct 6, 2005: Amtr RV4, Mitchell, SD, Substantial damage. (-23) On 10/06/2005, after refueling, the pilot [privacy data omitted] the sole occupant of an experimental RV-4 aircraft (N149KC), departed Mitchell, SD (mhe)…

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.

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