Tucker THORP T18C N794PT

Summary

On 13 June 1993 at about 15:45 local time, a Tucker THORP T18C registered N794PT, operated by Aldon R. Fisher, was involved in an accident near So. Lake Tahoe, California, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was destroyed. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

13 June 1993 at 15:45

Classification

Accident

Location

So. Lake Tahoe, California, United States

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Tucker THORP T18C

Registration

N794PT

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Aldon R. Fisher

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Porterville → Carson City

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX93LA247

2 people died.

A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS, AND THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT WHILE MANEUVERING AT A LOW ALTITUDE.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The airplane experienced a loss of engine power and the pilot initiated an emergency descent for a forced landing. A line service technician at a nearby airport reported hearing a pilot broadcast that he was at 8,500 feet (about 2,200 feet above the airport's elevation). The pilot indicated that he did not believe he could reach the airport. Witnesses observed the descending airplane. One witness saw the airplane between 400 and 500 feet above ground (water) level approaching the shore line and rolling into a left bank turn. The bank angle increased until the airplane was upside down. Thereafter the airplane descended in a near vertical nose low attitude until colliding into the lake, about 45 yards from shore. The crash site was about 5 miles from the airport. During the examination of the engine and propeller, no evidence was found of any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. Because of impact damage, not all of the accessories could be tested. The odor of fuel and a petroleum slick was observed in the crash site area. The reason for the loss of engine power was not established.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.