# NTSB DEN07CA109: Becerra Avid Flyer Mark IV, N196MB, Crowheart, WY, June 17, 2007

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: June 17, 2007, 12:12 local (18:12 UTC)
- Place: Crowheart, WY
- Coordinates: 43.533332, -109
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.5333&lon=-109.0000&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 30, 2007
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: FAA Flight Standards Field Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 66105
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN07CA109
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/66105/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN07CA109

## Probable cause

A partial blockage of the fuel filter, causing fuel starvation.  A contributing factor was the rough terrain.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fuel system,filter - blocked(partial) (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

While in normal cruise flight, the engine lost power.  The pilot made a forced landing next to a dirt road in a canyon.  During the landing, the landing gear folded back and buckled the fuselage.  Additional tubular structure members were bent.  Post-accident examination revealed that fuel flow was restricted due to a partially obstructed fuel filter.

## Factual narrative

The pilot was en route from Billings, Montana, to Twin Falls, Idaho.  After diverting to Columbus, Montana, and detouring to Cody, Wyoming, the pilot turned towards Dubois, Wyoming.  Shortly thereafter the engine lost power.  The pilot could see he had 4 gallons of fuel in the right tank and 3 gallons is the left tank.  He was able to restart the engine, but it lost power again.  The pilot made a forced landing next to a dirt road in a canyon.  During the landing, the landing gear folded back and buckled the fuselage.  Additional tubular structure members were bent.

The airplane was recovered and taken back to Twin Falls.  The pilot's mechanic inspected the airplane and said that fuel flow was restricted due to a partially obstructed fuel filter.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N196MB](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N196MB), registered now, S/N 1483D, built 2004 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Becerra Avid Flyer Mark IV
- Registry model: [Becerra Michael A AVID FLYER MK IV](https://openairdocs.org/model/becerra-michael-a-avid-flyer-mk-iv) (registry code 05602WG) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Subaru ALL MDLS A/B](https://openairdocs.org/engine/subaru-all-mdls-a-b) (registry code 59050, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 1483D
- Airframe hours: 200
- Engines: Subaru EA81 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Michael A Becerra
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Condition, July 1, 2006
- Departed: 6S3, Columbus, MT
- Destination: TWF, Twin Falls, ID

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review July 1, 2006; seat: left; flight hours: 427 total, 183 in this make and model, 367 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.01 inHg
- Observed at: RIW, 50 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 20070617010279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20070617010279A), Jun 17, 2007: Amtr AVIDFLYMKIV, Dubois, WY, Substantial damage. (-23) Engine quit and aircraft was forced landed on a country road. Right landing gear sheared at weld on axle causing substantial damage.

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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