Accident Zenith CH 601 XL N42005,
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ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 284905
 
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Date:Saturday 12 May 2007
Time:08:00 LT
Type:Silhouette image of generic CH60 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different    
Zenith CH 601 XL
Owner/operator:
Registration: N42005
MSN: 6-5238
Total airframe hrs:57 hours
Engine model:Lycoming O-235C
Fatalities:Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Aircraft damage: Substantial
Category:Accident
Location:Lonoke, Arkansas -   United States of America
Phase: Unknown
Nature:Private
Departure airport:Searcy Municipal Airport, AR (KSRC)
Destination airport:Lonoke, AR (1AR9)
Investigating agency: NTSB
Confidence Rating: Accident investigation report completed and information captured
Narrative:
The airplane was substantially damaged when the left wing impacted the ground during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The pilot stated that approximately 2-1/2 miles from the intended destination while in a "gradual descent" to the airport, the engine "had a sudden loss of [power] for a second or two, and then immediately was running perfect again." He considered executing a downwind landing; however, because the engine was running again and the airplane was "still a little high," he elected to enter the traffic pattern while remaining close to the runway. He selected the other fuel tank, but "a few seconds later" a similar brief loss of engine power occurred again. He "immediately turned to the east to the runway and the engine quit a few second[s] later." He entered a left turn in an attempt to avoid a water-filled ditch when the left wing struck the ground. A post accident examination of the engine and fuel system did not reveal any anomalies. The pilot stated that fuel samples were taken during the preflight inspection and no water or contaminants were observed. He did not recall applying carburetor heat during the descent or after the loss of engine power. About the time of the accident, Adams Field Airport located approximately 10 miles west of the accident site, recorded a temperature and dew point of 23 degrees Celsius and 17 degrees Celsius, respectively. Data provided by Transport Canada indicated the possibility of moderate carburetor icing at cruise power and serious carburetor icing at descent power under those conditions.

Probable Cause: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. An additional cause was the pilot's improper decision to enter the traffic pattern after intermittent losses of engine power, and his subsequent failure to remain within power off gliding distance of the runway.

Accident investigation:
cover
  
Investigating agency: NTSB
Report number: CHI07CA146
Status: Investigation completed
Duration: 1 month
Download report: Final report

Sources:

NTSB CHI07CA146

Revision history:

Date/timeContributorUpdates
01-Oct-2022 10:24 ASN Update Bot Added

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