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Engine Failure Leads to Tree Landing for Experimental Amateur-Built Aircraft (N4233J)

Fairbanks, AK, US

On July 9, 2006, a Storm ZENAIR CH-701 (registration N4233J) was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason during cruise flight, which resulted in an emergency descent into trees. 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

A sport pilot conducting a cross-country flight in an experimental amateur-built airplane experienced a complete loss of engine power, resulting in a descent into trees and structural damage.

Incident Overview

A sport pilot was on a cross-country flight to a nearby airport to practice takeoffs and landings in an amateur-built experimental airplane, operated under Title 14, CFR Part 91. During the flight, the engine lost all power, forcing the airplane to descend into trees. The aircraft sustained structural damage to its wings and fuselage.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported being unaware of what caused the loss of engine power. The airplane was not examined by an NTSB investigator, and no further details regarding the incident were provided.

Aircraft Information

The aircraft was described as an amateur-built experimental airplane. No specific make, model, or registration information was included in the report.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jul 2006 Storm ZENAIR CH-701 accident near Fairbanks, AK?

A sport pilot conducting a cross-country flight in an experimental amateur-built airplane experienced a complete loss of engine power, resulting in a descent into trees and structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 9 Jul 2006 Storm ZENAIR CH-701 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jul 2006 involved a Storm ZENAIR CH-701, registration N4233J, at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason during cruise flight, which resulted in an emergency descent into trees.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060720X00973. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.