# NTSB LAX03LA125: Vortec 99, N6052T, El Cajon, CA, April 4, 2003

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 3, 2003, 18:22 local (Apr 4, 2003, 02:22 UTC)
- Place: El Cajon, CA
- Coordinates: 32.82611, -116.972503
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.8261&lon=-116.9725&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 1, 2004
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 56776
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX03LA125
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/56776/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX03LA125

## Probable cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, maneuvering
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- On ground/water collision with object, emergency descent/landing
  - object - fence post

## Analysis

The airplane collided with ground obstacles during a forced landing following a loss of engine power.  Prior to flying the experimental airplane, the pilot had done some work on the airplane's Chevrolet, 4.3L, V6 engine.  The pilot was performing a test flight at pattern altitude over the airfield when the engine began to "run rough and quit."  During the forced landing approach to the runway, the pilot executed an approach that put him on a low final for landing.  The airplane landed short of the runway, struck a fence post, and came to rest in the threshold area of the approach end of runway.  The cause of engine failure was not determined.

## Factual narrative

On April 3, 2003, at 1822 Pacific standard time, an experimental Vortec 99, N6052T, collided with obstacles during a forced landing at Gillespie Field, El Cajon, California.  The forced landing was precipitated by a loss of engine power while operating above the airfield.  The flight was operated by the pilot/owner under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91.  The private pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.  The flight originated at Gillespie Field about 1800, and no flight plan had been filed.

The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that he had been working on the airplane engine, and was performing a test flight at pattern altitude over the airfield when the engine began to "run rough and quit."  The airplane landed short of the runway, struck a fence post, and came to rest in the threshold area of the approach end of runway 17.

The engine was a Chevrolet, 4.3L, V6.  The pilot reported that the cause of engine failure was unknown.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N6052T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6052T), registered now, S/N 000228 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Vortec 99
- Registry model: [Kiss John A VORTEC](https://openairdocs.org/model/kiss-john-a-vortec) (registry code 05606SH) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 00028
- Airframe hours: 350
- Engines: Chevrolet 4.3Liter, V-6 220 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John A. Kiss
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 2002, 55 hours before
- Departed: SEE, El Cajon, CA
- Destination: SEE
- Airport: SEE, Gillespie Field, runway 17, 4,147 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 54; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review January 26, 2003; seat: left; flight hours: 800 total, 350 in this make and model, 800 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 280° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.14 inHg
- Observed at: KSEE

## 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 20030403028519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20030403028519A), Apr 3, 2003: Amtr VORTEC, El Cajon, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) On April 3, 2003, at about 1822 local time, an experimental amateur built aircraft collided with obstacles during a forced landing at Gillespie field, El…

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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