Amateur-built JA30 SUPERSTOL N2463H accident near Ponca City, Oklahoma

Probable cause

Contamination of the fuel system, resulting in a partial loss of engine power and subsequent off-airport landing.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot was conducting a local flight in an experimental airplane. During takeoff, the pilot thought that the airplane's performance was sluggish. The pilot indicated that the airplane started to lose lift, so he reduced the control stick input. He maneuvered the airplane around trees, but the airplane continued to descend, so the pilot decided to land. The airplane made a hard landing, causing the airplane's landing gear to collapse because it was sideloaded, and the airplane then skidded into a tree.

During a postaccident examination, a repair station noted contamination in one of the fuel jets and both carburetors. After replacing the fuel jet and cleaning the carburetors, the engine produced normal power. The cause of the contamination could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN17LA251 for the full record.