Amateur-built RV6 N468AC accident near Riverside, California

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined from available evidence.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the experimental, amateur built airplane was undergoing an airplane checkout and flight review. The flight instructor directed the pilot to perform a power-on stall. During the maneuver, the airplane’s engine lost total power. The pilot immediately switched fuel tanks and was able to restart the engine and elected to return to the airport. The flight instructor assumed control of the airplane for the return flight. While the airplane was on short final, the engine lost total power again. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain short of the runway and came to rest inverted.

Postaccident examination of the airplane found a blue liquid, consistent with 100 lowlead fuel, draining from the lower cowling. Several gallons of fuel were drained from the fuel tanks. During the engine examination, the engine was started and ran uneventfully for several minutes at various power settings, including full power. Further examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation of the engine.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR21LA271 for the full record.