Probable cause
The failure of the sprag clutch during takeoff, resulting in a loss of engine thrust.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff for the local area flight the engine's rpms decreased and he felt a loss of thrust. The pilot made a turn in an attempt to make an emergency landing to another runway; however, the airplane touched down hard and short of the runway, substantially damaging the airplane. Postaccident examination revealed that the sprag clutch failed, preventing the engine from turning the propeller and causing a loss of thrust.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR11LA015 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 14, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Burlington, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Skagit Regional Airport (BVS)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built BD-5B
- N-number
- N525BD
- 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.