Aviation Accident Summary SEA91LA243

KENNEWICK, WA, USA

Aircraft #1

N391DS

DONALD W. SORRELS VANS RV-6

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.

Probable Cause and Findings

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.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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