Amateur-built RV7A N5433T accident near Ramona, California

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB analysis

During takeoff on the first flight since the airplane was built, the engine began to lose power. The passenger conducted a series of troubleshooting steps while the pilot flew the airplane. Unable to restore engine power, the pilot landed in a rock-covered field. The airplane came to rest upright; a postimpact fire ensued and consumed most of the airplane. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preexisting mechanical malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. The airplane was equipped with an electric constant speed propeller, which was controlled by an electric propeller controller. Due to the postimpact fire damage sustained to the airplane, functional testing of the propeller control unit could not be performed. Due to the lack of available information, the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19LA023 for the full record.