# NTSB CHI94LA302: Frith Challenger II, N7051P, Fairfield, IA, August 27, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 26, 1994, 19:20 local (Aug 27, 1994, 00:20 UTC)
- Place: Fairfield, IA
- Coordinates: 40.999465, -91.959251 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9995&lon=-91.9593&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 4, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9658
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI94LA302
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9658/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA302

## Probable cause

the total failure and separation of the propeller system drive belt.  Obstacles (powerlines and pole) were a factor in the accident.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, climb
  - propeller system/drive assembly - failure,total (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - utility pole (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE WAS CLIMBING THROUGH ABOUT 300 FEET ABOVE GROUND LEVEL AFTER TAKEOFF WHEN THE DRIVE BELT FROM THE ENGINE TO THE PROPELLER BROKE.  DURING THE ENSUING FORCED LANDING, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A POLE AND POWERLINES, THEN FELL TO THE GROUND.  THE AIRPLANE HAD 185 HOURS TOTAL FLIGHT TIME.

## Factual narrative

On August 26, 1994, about 1920 central daylight time, a Frith Challenger II, N7051P, piloted by the owner/builder, experienced a loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff from a private airstrip in Fairfield, Iowa.  The homebuilt airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck a pole and powerlines during the ensuing forced landing.  The private pilot received minor injuries, and the one passenger on board the airplane reported no injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, no flight plan was filed.  The flight originated from the private grass strip approximately 1918 with an intended destination of the Fairfield Municipal Airport, in Fairfield, Iowa.

The pilot stated the airplane was climbing through about 300 feet above ground level (AGL) after takeoff when "...the drive belt from the engine to the propeller broke... ."  The pilot attempted to return to the private airstrip for a forced landing, but the airplane struck a pole and powerlines, and impacted the ground short of the runway.

Postaccident investigation revealed the drive belt had separated. The drive belt was not located during the investigation.  The airplane was originally certificated in February, 1989, and had 185 hours total flight time.  The pilot submitted a brief written statement to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA.)  Despite numerous attempts to obtain a completed NTSB Form 6120.1/2 from the pilot, this office did not receive the completed Form.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7051P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7051P-2015-05-06), registration cancelled 2015-05-06, S/N 0324, built 1988 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: FRITH CHALLENGER II (CHALLENGER)
- Registry model: [Frith Grant N CHALLENGER II](https://openairdocs.org/model/frith-grant-n-challenger-ii) (registry code 05676FS) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 0324
- Airframe hours: 185
- Engines: ROTAX 503 52 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Frith, Grant N.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: NONE, IA
- Airport: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; student, foreign, private, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 185 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: OTM, 21 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 19940826023779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940826023779A), Aug 26, 1994: Amtrqc CHALLENGER2, Fairfield, IA, Substantial damage. Prop drive belt failed on initial climbout. Struck wires and pole of forced landing. 185 hrs aircraft total time.

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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