# NTSB SEA86LA149: Mellema Bede 4, N76VR, Kent, WA, June 21, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 21, 1986, 14:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: Kent, WA
- Coordinates: 47.359783, -122.099098 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.3598&lon=-122.0991&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40425
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA86LA149
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40425/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA86LA149

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, takeoff - initial climb
  - fuel system - blocked(total) (cause)
- Forced landing, landing
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - ground loop/swerve - intentional, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE ENGINE CEASED OPERATING 10 FEET A.G.L. DURING TAKEOFF WHILE ON A BIENNIAL FLIGHT REVIEW. A LANDING STRAIGHT AHEAD WAS MADE ONTO THE RUNWAY, BUT IN ORDER TO AVOID AN OVERRUN AN INTENTIONAL GROUND LOOP WAS MADE. ON ENGINE EXAMINATION A LARGE BUG WAS FOUND IMPACTED IN THE NEWLY INSTALLED FUEL METER WHICH THE PILOT HAD INSTALLED JUST PRIOR TO THIS FLIGHT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N76VR](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N76VR-2010-01-06), registration cancelled 2010-01-06, S/N 582, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: MELLEMA BEDE 4
- Registry model: [Mellema BEDE 4](https://openairdocs.org/model/mellema-bede-4) (registry code 1130449) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Ford CONVERSION](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ford-conversion) (registry code 26701, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 386
- Airframe hours: 500
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Part 91
- Operator: Roger D. Mellema
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 21, 1986
- Airport: S36, Crest Airpark, runway 33, 3,267 × 40 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,200 total, 1,110 in this make and model, 1,005 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19860621057889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860621057889A), Jun 21, 1986: Amtrbd BEDEBD4, Kent, WA, Substantial damage. Engine lost power on takeoff. Aborted and ground looped to avoid trees. Large bug found in fuel line.

## Other investigations on N76VR (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 DFW07CA175](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07CA175), Aug 3, 2007: Mellema Bede 4 (N76VR), Ennis, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane following the disconnect of the tailwheel steering chain while landing.

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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