West Liberty, IA, USA
N8490K
Schweizer G-164B
Same as Factual Information
The airplane was substantially damaged during an emergency landing following a loss of engine power after takeoff. The pilot reported that he was taking off on runway 36 (2,300 feet by 66 feet, turf) when he encountered birds about 50 feet above ground level. He noted that the engine lost power and the aircraft settled to the ground. He was unable to stop the airplane on the remaining runway. During the runway overrun, the airplane subsequently struck a fence, encountered a ditch, and subsequently nosed over before coming to rest. A post accident survey of the runway revealed bird feathers and remains near midfield on the runway centerline.
The pilot's inadvertent encounter with birds immediately after takeoff and the resulting loss of engine power. Contributing factors were the fence and ditch encountered during the overrun.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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