# NTSB SEA83LA081: Smith Miniplane, N94R, Near Rainier, OR, April 15, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 14, 1983, 17:45 local (Apr 15, 1983, 01:45 UTC)
- Place: Near Rainier, OR
- Coordinates: 46.040985, -122.980682 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.0410&lon=-122.9807&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 39680
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA83LA081
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39680/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA83LA081

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - contamination (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Analysis

APRX 20 MIN AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE LOST POWER. SEVERAL RESTARTS WERE INITIATED; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE WOULD NOT CONTINUE RUNNING. DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON SANDY TERRAIN, THE NOSE GEAR DUG IN & THE ACFT NOSED OVER THE PLT DESCRIBED THE LOSS OF POWER AS SOUNDING LIKE FUEL STARVATION. MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL REPORTED FINDING SMALL AMOUNTS OF DEBRIS IN THE FUEL TANKS WITHIN THE FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N94R](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N94R-2018-03-08), registration cancelled 2018-03-08, S/N RB-1, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: SMITH MINIPLANE
- Registry model: [Rainville Mini Bi Plane Dsa-1 MINIPLANE](https://openairdocs.org/model/rainville-mini-bi-plane-dsa-1-miniplane) (registry code 8350154) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: RB-1
- Airframe hours: 96
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Edward S. Hawkins
- Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1982, 96 hours before
- Departed: KLS, KELSO, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, expired; seat: front; flight hours: 500 total, 19 in this make and model, 440 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TDO, 23 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 19830414015349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830414015349A), Apr 14, 1983: Amtrsm MINIPLANE*, Rainier, OR, Substantial damage. Engine quit shortly after departure. Landed on a sandy beach and nosed over. Found dirt in fuel. Pitted cylinders.

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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