Amateur-built KITFOX 5 N533RC accident near Battle Ground, Washington

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff from his grass airstrip for a local, personal flight, the engine began running roughly but that it then regained full power. The airplane climbed to about 300 ft above ground level, at which point, the engine began running roughly again, and it then lost all power. When the pilot realized that the airplane could not reach a nearby airport, he maneuvered the airplane back toward the grass airstrip because there were multiple fields in the area. As the pilot maneuvered around trees and fences for the forced landing, the airplane impacted a fence, nosed over, and then came to rest inverted.

The pilot had refueled the airplane with automotive fuel from a container. The pilot stated that, although he drained fuel from the fuel tanks during the preflight inspection and found no contaminants, he thought that there might have been some water in the fuel line.

Postaccident engine examination revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR16LA011 for the full record.