Reid CAPELLA XS N89FW

Summary

On 8 November 1997 at about 22:00 local time, a Reid CAPELLA XS registered N89FW was involved in an accident near Leander, Texas, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

8 November 1997 at 22:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Leander, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

Kitty Hill (77T)

Coordinates

30.5597, -97.8605

Aircraft

Reid CAPELLA XS

Registration

N89FW

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW98LA047

Nobody was injured.

The loss of engine power due to an undetermined reason. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot initiated a forced landing to a field, following a loss of engine power, at the downwind-to-base leg position for the runway. During the landing flare, the airplane struck a fence. The owner reported that the fuel system and ignition system operated properly; however, upon disassembly of the cylinders, the rear cylinder exhibited scoring, evidence of overheating, and a seized piston ring. The owner reported sending the components for inspection by a Rotex authorized technician; who, according to the owner confirmed that the engine had seized and that the oil injector was the cause. The person to whom the engine was sent for examination stated that he 'did not confirm that the oil injector was the cause.' He further stated that a differential air flow to the engine, an improper fuel air ratio, an improper fuel oil mixture, and/or overheating could have contributed to the loss of engine power. This is not a certified aircraft engine and conforms to no aircraft standards. It is for use in experimental, uncertificated aircraft and vehicles only in which an engine failure will not compromise safety.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.