Amateur-built RV-6 N14JA accident near Puyallup, Washington

Probable cause

The complete loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident were hidden obstructions (tree stumps) in the field of long grass within which the pilot executed his forced landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was just turning onto the downwind leg when the airplane's engine suddenly lost power without warning. The pilot was unable to get the engine to restart and he selected what looked like a level field of tall grass for his emergency forced landing. Just after touching down in the field, the airplane hit a number of tree stumps that had been hidden by the tall grass. The impact sequence resulted in extensive damage to the fuselage, wings, and landing gear. A post-accident inspection of the engine, fuel system, and air induction system determined that the fuel tanks were nearly full, and that there were no apparent anomalies that would have contributed to a loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for SEA08CA177 for the full record.