# NTSB LAX05CA310: Clark Vans RV8, N559JC, Sonoma, CA, September 20, 2005 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: September 19, 2005, 19:00 local (Sep 20, 2005, 02:00 UTC) - Place: Sonoma, CA - Coordinates: 38.257499, -122.435554 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.2575&lon=-122.4356&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 31, 2006 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 62520 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX05CA310 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62520/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX05CA310 ## Probable cause a loss of engine power due to the failure of the master electrical power switch, which removed power to the electronic ignition. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - base leg/base to final - electrical system,electric switch - failure (cause) - ignition system,ignition switch - failure (cause) - Forced landing, emergency descent/landing - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing - maneuver to avoid obstructions - performed, pilot in command - terrain condition - crop ## Analysis The experimental airplane collided with grapevines and support posts during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while on downwind for the runway. The pilot performed prelanding checks on downwind, and upon switching on the second fuel pump, the engine lost power. The pilot switched the fuel pump to the original position and selected the other fuel tank. Neither action caused the engine to regain its power. The pilot attempted to lower the electrically powered flaps to prepare for the emergency landing on the runway but the flaps failed to deploy. The airplane carried an excess of 30 to 40 knots while flying 10 to 20 feet above the runway; the pilot determined that he would easily overrun the 2,480-foot-long runway and impact structures at the end if he did not divert the airplanes path. He pulled up and turned left 180 degrees to dissipate the extra energy and landed along the vine rows of the neighboring vineyard. First responders reported that there appeared to be no fuel in the airplane's fuel tanks nor evidence of a post accident fuel spill or leak from the airplane. The pilot said that the airplane's electrical system powers the engine's electronic ignition, propeller pitch control, and flaps. Examination of the electrical system revealed that the "Master Power Switch" that was being used was an automotive keyed single pole single throw switch, and that the back was loose and coming apart, making the internal electrical contacts intermittent. This switch ties together power from the batteries and the alternator. Failure of this switch could result in the loss of ignition power to the engine. ## Factual narrative This report is based on information received by the NTSB. Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case. For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N559JC](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N559JC-2019-01-02), registration cancelled 2019-01-02, S/N 80268, built 2004 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Clark Vans RV8 - Registry model: [Clark James T VANS RV8](https://openairdocs.org/model/clark-james-t-vans-rv8) (registry code 05616Y7) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 80268 - Engines: Powersport Mazda 13B reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: James T Clark - Registered owner: James T. Clark - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: KTRK, Truckee, CA - Destination: K0Q9, Sonoma, CA - Airport: K0Q9, Sonoma Skypark, runway 26, 2,480 × 40 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 64; injuries: none; airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3; flight hours: 27,500 total, 157 in this make and model, 38 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F ## Other investigations on N559JC (1) 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. - [NTSB WPR17LA153](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA153), Jul 14, 2017: Clark James T Vans RV8 (N559JC), Spokane, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: An inflight engine fire for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, which melted the air filter element and obstructed the engine's air intakes, resulting in a total… 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.