Accident Details
On August 14, 2024, at approximately 2021 central daylight time, a Vans RV-8A airplane, registration N184DC, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Guthrie, Oklahoma. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, the accident occurred during the initial climb from a grass airstrip. At about 40 feet above ground level, engine cylinders Nos. 2 and 3 lost power. Approximately 10 seconds later, cylinders Nos. 1 and 4 also lost power. The pilot was unable to maintain altitude. He switched fuel tanks in an attempt to restore engine power but noted no change in performance. The airplane subsequently impacted trees beyond the departure end of the runway.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no compression on the No. 2 cylinder. The air filter was removed from the fiberglass air snorkel/box, and one of the four fabricated retaining brackets was found separated and missing. Elongation was noted on the fiberglass where rivets secured the missing bracket.
Further inspection involved removal of the No. 2 cylinder intake tube. A foreign metal piece, consistent with the separated retaining bracket, was observed within the cylinder. The bracket was jammed in the cylinder and under the intake valve seat. The intake valve and the retaining bracket were removed from the cylinder and photographed.
The source of the accident investigation did not provide a probable cause.