Accident Overview
On December 5, 2019, at approximately 1520 mountain standard time, a Vans RV-6 airplane, registration N616RV, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Pima, Arizona. The pilot and passenger suffered minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal operation.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that while cruising westbound at an altitude of 1,100 ft above ground level, the engine suddenly ceased producing power. The propeller continued to windmill. The pilot initiated a 180° turn back toward the departure airport and attempted an engine restart, which was unsuccessful. He then elected to land in a nearby cotton field. Upon touchdown, the landing gear sank into the soft dirt, causing the airplane to flip onto its back. The vertical stabilizer and rudder were substantially damaged.
Postaccident Examination
The airplane was equipped with a 150 hp Mazda 13B rotary engine. A postaccident examination revealed that ignition and fuel remained available to the engine. When started, the engine ran but operated poorly, with smoke emanating from it. Shortly thereafter, the engine stopped producing power. Disassembly of the engine showed that the two rotors and five of the six apex seals were intact. The sixth apex seal was found fractured in half. No other anomalies were identified.
Conclusion
The accident occurred due to an engine failure in flight, prompting a forced landing that resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft and minor injuries to the occupants.