# NTSB FTW95LA108: Craighead Corben JR. ACE, N30CK, Athens, TX, February 6, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 6, 1995, 10:00 local (16:00 UTC)
- Place: Athens, TX
- Coordinates: 32.200836, -95.849021 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.2008&lon=-95.8490&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 23, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19349
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW95LA108
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19349/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW95LA108

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE HOMEBUILT AIRPLANE WAS ON ITS THIRD TEST FLIGHT WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER A FEW MINUTES AFTER DEPARTURE. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE AND LANDED IN A PASTURE. THE LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED WHEN HE TURNED 'SHARPLY' TO AVOID HITTING A FENCE. THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE POWER LOSS COULD NOT BE DETERMINED.

## Factual narrative

On February 6, 1995, at 1000 central standard time, a Corben Jr. Ace homebuilt airplane, N30CK, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Athens, Texas.  The private pilot, owner and builder of the airplane, was not injured.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal local flight.

The pilot reported a normal runup and takeoff from the Athens Municipal Airport for the airplane's third test flight.  The engine lost power a few minutes after he departed the traffic pattern.  He attempted a restart, but was unsuccessful.  After landing in a pasture, the pilot turned "sharply" left to avoid a fence.  The landing gear collapsed and the right rear wing spar was damaged.

The airplane was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector who observed no mechanical anomalies in the airframe or engine.  The pilot reported that the engine "sat in his shop for 2 years before it was installed on the airplane."

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N30CK](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N30CK), registered now, S/N C-002, built 1994 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CRAIGHEAD CORBEN JR. ACE (CORBEN JR.)
- Registry model: [Craighead Kenneth R CORBIN JR ACE E](https://openairdocs.org/model/craighead-kenneth-r-corbin-jr-ace-e) (registry code 05625YA) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: C-002
- Airframe hours: 1
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C85-12 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kenneth R. Craighead
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, January 22, 1995, 1 hours before
- Departed: F44

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 71; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,515 total, 1 in this make and model, 1,515 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °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 19950206001219A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950206001219A), Feb 6, 1995: Amtraa JUNIORACE, Athens, TX, Substantial damage. Lost power on climbout third test flight. Collapsed gear landing in pasture when he turned avoid fence.

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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