FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss Leads to Accident During Go-Around (N155HC)

Santa Paula, CA, US

On September 5, 2007, a Higher Class Aviation SPORT HORNET (registration N155HC) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Paula, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power during a go-around for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering following the loss of power. 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 flight instructor and student experienced an engine power loss during a go-around, resulting in a spin and impact with a river. Post-accident examination found no engine abnormalities.

Flight History

A flight instructor and his student were flying a newly manufactured special light sport airplane to the state of Washington. On their initial departure, the engine lost power and they landed straight ahead on the remaining runway. A new fuel flow meter with a restriction had been installed in the airplane. This unit was removed, and a ground run-up test along with a flight test was performed. They departed at 1700 and flew for approximately 2 hours with no difficulties.

Witness Account

A witness reported that the airplane was landing on runway 22 and appeared to be "too fast." The witness stated that the airplane aborted the landing, and during the go-around, the engine began to sputter. The witness added that the airplane started a turn back towards the runway when it "spun" into a nearby river.

Instructor's Account

The flight instructor said that when the power loss occurred at approximately 200 to 300 feet above ground level, he took control of the airplane and turned towards an open area to his left. As he banked, the airplane impacted terrain. Several structural pieces of the fuselage were bent or broken.

Examination

A post-accident examination of the engine identified no abnormalities. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Sept 2007 Higher Class Aviation SPORT HORNET accident near Santa Paula, CA?

A flight instructor and student experienced an engine power loss during a go-around, resulting in a spin and impact with a river. Post-accident examination found no engine abnormalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Sept 2007 involved a Higher Class Aviation SPORT HORNET, registration N155HC, at Santa Paula, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A loss of engine power during a go-around for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering following the loss of power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071205X01900. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.