# NTSB SEA91LA243: Donald W. Sorrels Vans RV-6, N391DS, Kennewick, WA, September 18, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 18, 1991, 09:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Kennewick, WA
- Coordinates: 46.209056, -119.15924 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.2091&lon=-119.1592&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 13, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41541
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA243
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41541/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA243

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF POWER DUE TO THE PILOT/BUILDER'S IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT OF THE ENGINE IDLE SPEED. A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE SOFT TERRAIN AT THE ACCIDENT SITE.

## Analysis

THE PILOT REDUCED POWER TO IDLE WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH FOR THE FIRST LANDING IN THE HOMEBUILT ACFT AND THE ENGINE QUIT.  HE INITIATED A FORCED LANDING AND THE ACFT IMPACTED SOFT TERRAIN SHORT OF THE RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER.  POST ACCIDENT TESTS OF THE ENGINE REVEALED LOW IDLE RPM SETTING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - powerplant - underspeed (cause)
  - maintenance,adjustment - improper, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N391DS](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N391DS-2005-12-20), registration cancelled 2005-12-20, S/N 20206, built 1991 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DONALD W. SORRELS VANS RV-6
- Registry model: [Sorrels Donald W VANS RV-6](https://openairdocs.org/model/sorrels-donald-w-vans-rv-6) (registry code 05608NQ) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 20206
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-D1A 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Donald W. Sorrels
- Registered owner: Donald W. Sorrels
- Airport: S98, Kennewick, runway 2, 3,490 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 71; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 2,369 total, 1 in this make and model, 1,977 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 310° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PSC, 5 nm away

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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