Probable cause
Failure of the engine cooling system's thermostat, causing the engine to overheat and seize. Contributing to the accident was the fence.
NTSB analysis
The engine started overheating. The pilot turned around to return to the airport. On approach at approximately 500 feet, the engine seized. The pilot attempted to make a forced landing in a field, but the airplane landed hard on the terrain, bending the landing gear. It then slid 80 feet and struck a fence. The pilot reported that the thermostat failed, causing the engine to overheat and seize.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for DEN08LA108 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 21, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Augusta, Kansas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built Avid Flyer Mk IV
- N-number
- N6880L
- 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.