Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the emergency descent.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was observed descending while banking. A witness said the airplane's engine was "quiet, low RPM." The airplane lost altitude, the bank angle increased to 90 degrees, the engine revved, and the airplane impacted terrain in a nose-down attitude. The pilot reported that he had fuel pressure and engine problems. The wreckage was examined and residual fuel was found. No preimpact anomalies were detected during the examination. Wind conditions at an observation facility about 25 nautical miles from the airport were from 200 degrees at 16 knots, gusting to 23 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA196 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 7, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Greencastle, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Putnam County Airport (4I7)
- Highest injury
- Fatal
- Fatal injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Amateur-built RV3-A
- N-number
- N933WF
- 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.