Casualties unknown

Experimental Amateur-Built Aircraft Loses Engine Power, Noses Over During Forced Landing (N369RV)

Fort Scott, KS, US

On June 6, 2004, a Doerr Raymond R RV-9A (registration N369RV) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Scott, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The vapor lock of the airplane fuel system and the ditch encountered during the emergency landing.. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An experimental amateur-built airplane experienced low fuel pressure during cruise, leading to a forced landing. The aircraft impacted a ditch and nosed over. Post-accident tests could not replicate the power loss.

Incident Overview

An experimental amateur-built airplane suffered a loss of engine power while in cruise flight. The pilot reported that fuel pressure dropped below the normal operating range. Although the aircraft's secondary fuel pump activated automatically, the fuel pressure remained below acceptable levels.

Forced Landing and Impact

The pilot executed a forced landing in a field. During the landing, the airplane struck a ditch and nosed over. The aircraft came to rest in an inverted position.

Post-Accident Inspection

Examination of the airplane revealed that it had been fueled with automotive gasoline. The pilot noted that the ambient temperature at the time of the incident was 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A post-accident engine run was conducted, but it did not reproduce the loss of engine power.

Additional Details

No further information is available regarding the aircraft's registration, engine type, or occupant status. The investigation continues.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Jun 2004 Doerr Raymond R RV-9A accident near Fort Scott, KS?

An experimental amateur-built airplane experienced low fuel pressure during cruise, leading to a forced landing. The aircraft impacted a ditch and nosed over. Post-accident tests could not replicate the power loss.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Jun 2004 involved a Doerr Raymond R RV-9A, registration N369RV, at Fort Scott, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The vapor lock of the airplane fuel system and the ditch encountered during the emergency landing..

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040624X00865. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.