# NTSB DFW06CA212: Vans RV4, N7LC, Springtown, TX, September 23, 2006 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: September 23, 2006, 07:37 local (12:37 UTC) - Place: Springtown, TX - Coordinates: 32.9888888888889, -97.6194444444444 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.9889&lon=-97.6194&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report December 28, 2006 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Fort Worth, Texas - NTSB case key (mKey): 64580 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW06CA212 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/64580/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06CA212 ## Probable cause The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, climb - to cruise - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - On ground/water collision with object, emergency landing - object - fence - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) ## Analysis The 14,498-hour private pilot experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the 2,400-foot long, by 20-foot wide airstrip. The pilot elected to make a 180-degree turn back to the airstrip; however, the single-engine homebuilt airplane landed short of the runway. The pilot reported that he conducted a preflight prior to his departure and reported having 8 gallons of fuel aboard the airplane for the local flight to his intended destination. The pilot added that while climbing out on runway heading "the engine quit and he was unable to restart it after switching fuel tanks." At the time of the attempted restart the airplane was about 3/4 of a mile from the departure end of the airport at approximately 400 feet above the ground. The pilot further stated that after determining that there was no suitable forced landing areas ahead of the flight path, he elected to turn back toward the airport. The airplane was unable to reach the departure end of runway 34. During the forced landing, the airplane collided with a pipe fence and came to rest in the upright position approximately 40 feet inside of the airport property. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined. The weather at the airport was reported as 10 miles visibility with winds from 180 degrees at 12 knots. The airplane sustained structural damage. ## Factual narrative The 14,498-hour private pilot experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the 2,400-foot long, by 20-foot wide airstrip. The pilot elected to make a 180-degree turn back to the airstrip; however, the single-engine homebuilt airplane landed short of the runway. The pilot reported that he conducted a preflight prior to his departure and reported having 8 gallons of fuel aboard the airplane for the local flight to his intended destination. The pilot added that while climbing out on runway heading "the engine quit and he was unable to restart it after switching fuel tanks." At the time of the attempted restart the airplane was about 3/4 of a mile from the departure end of the airport at approximately 400 feet above the ground. The pilot further stated that after determining that there no suitable forced landing areas ahead of flight path, he elected to turn back toward the airport. The airplane was unable to reach the departure end of runway 34. During the forced landing, the airplane collided with a pipe fence and came to rest in the upright position approximately 40 feet inside of the airport property. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined. The weather at the airport was reported as 10 miles visibility with winds from 180 degrees at 12 knots. The airplane sustained structural damage. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7LC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7LC-2018-03-20), registration cancelled 2018-03-20, S/N 87, built 1989 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Vans Aircraft RV4 - Registry model: [Crosswell Lewis C RV-4](https://openairdocs.org/model/crosswell-lewis-c-rv-4) (registry code 05608CU) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 87 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Lewis Crosswell - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: 100 hour, March 1, 2006 - Departed: Springtown, TX - Destination: Crandbury, TX - Airport: 61TE, Kezer Air Ranch Airport, runway 34, 2,400 × 20 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 73; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review February 1, 2005; seat: front; flight hours: 14,498 total, 750 in this make and model, 1,421 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 12 knots - Visibility: 12 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 3,000 ft broken - Temperature: 70 °F ## 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 20060923018979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20060923018979A), Sep 23, 2006: Amtr RV4, Springtown, TX, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot departed 61TE to the south and lost power shortly after takeoff. The pilot made a 180 degree turn and attempted to land to the north at 61TE. The… 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.