Casualties unknown

2007-02-21: Barnhart RV-6 (N601DB) — Auburn, WA

Auburn, WA, US

On February 21, 2007, a Barnhart RV-6 (registration N601DB) was involved in an aviation accident near Auburn, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power due to the obstruction of the engine's air inlet by a fabricated neoprene seal, and inadequate maintenance by unknown maintenance personnel. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb, the engine lost power. The pilot turned left and landed inside the airport perimeter fence. The landing gear collapsed and the aircraft sustained significant damage. Investigation found neoprene in the air intake.

Accident Sequence

During the initial climb after takeoff, the engine lost power. The pilot observed a motel and casino ahead and executed a 90-degree left turn. The aircraft was then landed parallel to and inside the airport perimeter fence, with the right wing sliding along the fence.

Damage

The airplane landed hard on both main landing gear, which subsequently collapsed. Further damage included broken engine mounts, a wrinkled engine firewall, buckling and wrinkling on both wings, and fuselage wrinkling.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the engine revealed a large piece of neoprene lodged in the engine's air intake. According to the pilot, he and a mechanic had fabricated a neoprene seal for the air intake during the conditional inspection completed on February 12, 2007. The aircraft had flown only 0.2 hours since that inspection at the time of the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070228X00239. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.