Casualties unknown

2007-10-02: Vans Aircraft RV6 (N6RP) — Halifax, VA

Halifax, VA, US

On October 2, 2007, a Vans Aircraft RV6 (registration N6RP) was involved in an aviation accident near Halifax, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent stall during a forced landing. A contributing factor was the pilot's failure to place the electronic prop controller in the manual mode prior to aborting the landing which resulted in a loss of engine 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot, also the aircraft builder, executed a go-around after a fast approach but experienced power reduction from the electronic propeller control, leading to a stall and collision with trees. No injuries reported.

Incident Overview

During a landing attempt at his private airstrip, the pilot—who built the airplane—found his approach speed too high for the 1,300-foot strip. He decided to abort the landing and initiated a go-around.

Power Reduction

Applying full power and raising the nose to climb, the electronic propeller control system detected an overboost condition and reduced engine power. The pilot noted that he had forgotten to switch the electronic propeller control to manual mode before applying full power, which would have prevented the power reduction.

Stall and Collision

With reduced power, the aircraft could not maintain altitude. While maneuvering to clear obstacles, airspeed decayed, resulting in an aerodynamic stall. The airplane then struck trees.

Outcome

The pilot was uninjured and able to egress from the airplane unassisted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20071113X01787. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.