Aviation Accident Summary CHI05CA263

Buchanan, MI, USA

Aircraft #1

N54BX

Keith Avid Amphibian

Analysis

The amateur-built amphibian airplane sustained substantial damage when it impacted a power line and terrain during a forced landing after a loss of power following a water takeoff. The pilot reported that he performed a complete preflight and that the engine was running "extremely well." The tachometer was reading 6,500 RPM and all temperatures were in the normal range during climbout. He did a crosswind turn at 300 feet above ground level to stay in the pattern for another water landing. He reported that 10 seconds after the turn, the engine stopped. The pilot reported that there was no indication of any engine problem before the engine stopped. He reported, "It acted as though the ignition switch was turned off." The on-site inspection of the engine did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies.

Factual Information

On September 10, 2005, at 0945 eastern daylight time, an amateur-built Keith Avid Amphibian, N54BX, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a power line and terrain during a forced landing after a loss of power following a water takeoff near Buchanan, Michigan. The private pilot received minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Niles, Michigan, at 0900 on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he performed a complete preflight and that the engine was running "extremely well." He reported that the tachometer was reading 6,500 RPM and all temperatures were in the normal range during climbout. He did a crosswind turn at 300 feet above ground level to stay in the pattern for another water landing. He reported that 10 seconds after the turn, the engine stopped. The pilot reported that there was no indication of any engine problem before the engine stopped. He reported, "It acted as though the ignition switch was turned off." The on-site inspection of the engine did not reveal any pre-impact anomalies.

Probable Cause and Findings

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the unsuitable terrain for landing encountered by the pilot. A factor was the power lines.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Get all the details on your iPhone or iPad with:

Aviation Accidents App

In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports