Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was the pilot maintaining a high angle of attack during takeoff, which resulted in an inadvertent stall when the engine failed.
NTSB analysis
During takeoff, about 20 feet above the ground, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The sport pilot was unable to recover from a nose-high attitude prior to the airplane stalling and landing hard. During the landing rollout, the airplane contacted a berm resulting in substantial damage to the airplane and serious injuries to the pilot. An examination of the airplane revealed fuel contamination. The source of the fuel contamination could not be determined.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA134 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 7, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ozark, Arkansas
- Nearest airport
- Private Airport
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built KOLB MARK III
- N-number
- N313JD
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.