Stugart VANS RV-6A N29PT

Summary

On 28 June 2003 at about 17:20 local time, a Stugart VANS RV-6A registered N29PT was involved in an accident near Fort Collins, Colorado, 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

28 June 2003 at 17:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

Nearest airport

Fort Collins Downtown Airpark (3V5)

Coordinates

40.5878, -105.0408

Aircraft

Stugart VANS RV-6A

Registration

N29PT

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Fort Collins → Longmont

Aircraft damage

Destroyed

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DEN03FA114

2 people died.

the pilot's improper preflight planning/decision resulting in the fuel selector positioned improperly and fuel starvation, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed. A factor contributing to the accident was the low altitude.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

Witnesses reported the airplane had just taken off and was climbing to the east when they heard the engine stop. The witnesses observed the airplane turn around towards the airport, depart controlled flight, and impact the ground near the southeast corner of the airport. The witnesses also said they heard the engine sputter as the airplane was attempting to return to the airport. An examination of the airplane showed witness marks in the cockpit floor panel consistent with the fuel selector valve handle being in the "Off" position at impact. An examination of the engine intake valves and spark plugs showed evidence consistent with operating the engine with a lean mixture. On removal of the number 3 cylinder bottom spark plug, the smell of alcohol, consistent with the use of starter fluid, was evident. No evidence of fuel was found in the carburetor. No other anomalies were found. FAA toxicology testing of the pilot showed concentrations of Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, and Azacyclonol in urine.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.