# NTSB SEA05LA016: Hannah Avid Amphibian, N80AH, Creswell, OR, November 14, 2004 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 14, 2004, 14:00 local (22:00 UTC) - Place: Creswell, OR - Coordinates: 43.86861, -123.033889 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.8686&lon=-123.0339&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report April 28, 2005 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 60554 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA05LA016 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/60554/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05LA016 ## Probable cause Carburetor icing and the failure of the pilot to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall. Factors contributing to the accident included the lack of a carburetor heat system and the probability of carburetor ice. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, takeoff - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause) - carburetor heat control - not installed (contributing factor) - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency) - airspeed - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) - stall - encountered, pilot in command (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - open field ## Analysis Shortly after takeoff the pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power, followed a few seconds later by a total loss of engine power. The pilot initiated an approach to a landing straight ahead, but obstructions in his path necessitated a left turn to an open pasture. In his turn toward the pasture the pilot noticed several cows in his path, requiring him to turn further left to avoid them at a low altitude, resulting in a loss of airspeed and a subsequent stall. The aircraft impacted terrain with its left wing, coming to rest in an upright position. FAA inspectors were unable to confirm flight control continuity, but were able to confirm continuity through the engine drive train. The pilot reported to the inspectors that the engine was not equipped with a carburetor heat system and that he suspected carburetor ice. According to information on a Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, and the temperature/dew point in which the airplane was operating, a "serious icing" probability could have existed. ## Factual narrative On November 14, 2004, approximately 1400 Pacific standard time, a Hannah Avid Amphibian experimental airplane, N80AH, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power near Creswell, Oregon. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. The certificated private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, which was being operated in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The fight was originating from the Walker Airport (OR57), Creswell, Oregon, at the time of the accident. According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that on the takeoff run to the north at about mid field, "...the engine backed off. I lowered the nose to maintain speed and was about to pull off all power for a straight ahead landing when full power returned." The pilot stated that he decided to go around "for a normal pattern landing," but 3 to 5 seconds later the engine stopped completely. Approaching the end of the runway at between 100 feet to 150 feet above ground level (AGL), the pilot reported that he could no longer land straight ahead due to the airport fence, rough pasture, trees, and a barn in his path. The pilot stated that he initiated a left turn with the intention of landing in a pasture northwest of the runway; however, numerous cows were in his path. The pilot further stated that he continued turning left, but due to his distraction with the cows his airspeed was now between 30 to 35 MPH at an altitude of about 25 feet AGL. The pilot reported the airplane's left wing stalled, impacted the ground, and came to rest in an upright position. There was no post crash fire. Two Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspectors, who performed a post accident inspection on the airplane, reported they were unable to verify control surface continuity due to the aircraft's condition. A post accident engine run was not performed due to inadequate conditions, but the engine drive train had free movement and was turned through by hand. The pilot reported to the inspectors that this particular model engine was not equipped with a carburetor heat system, and that he suspected carburetor ice. According to information on a Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, and the temperature/dew point in which the airplane was operating, a "serious icing" probability could have existed. (SEE ATTACHMENT #1) At 1454, the Automated Surface Observing System located at the Mahlon Sweet Field, Euguene, Oregon, 18 nautical miles northwest of the accident site, reported wind 010 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 statue miles, overcast clouds at 11,000 feet, temperature 13 degrees C, dew point 9 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 30.05 inches of Mercury. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N80AH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N80AH-2022-05-09), registration cancelled 2022-05-09, S/N 80A, built 1990 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Hannah Avid Amphibian - Registry model: [Hannah Wayne AVID AMPHIBIAN](https://openairdocs.org/model/hannah-wayne-avid-amphibian) (registry code 95708AH) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Bombardier ROTAX (ALL)](https://openairdocs.org/engine/bombardier-rotax-all) (registry code 09050, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 80A - Airframe hours: 161 - Engines: Rotax 582 VL 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Daniel O. Cathey Jr. - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, March 1, 2004, 3.8 hours before - Departed: OR57, Cottage Grove, OR - Airport: OR57, Walker Airport, runway 36, 1,743 × 80 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 69; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; last flight review March 18, 2003; seat: left; flight hours: 792 total, 33 in this make and model, 769 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 10° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 10,420 ft overcast - Temperature: 55 °F, dew point 48 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Observed at: EUG, 18 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 20041114027669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20041114027669A), Nov 14, 2004: Amtr AVIDAMPHIBIA, Creswell, OR, Substantial damage. (-23) N80AH lost power on approach at walker airport near Creswell Oregon. Aircraft made off airport landing hitting a fence upon landing. Pilot reported as… 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.