Farmer R B DA5-A N7053U

Summary

On 4 January 2003 at about 16:00 local time, a Farmer R B DA5-A registered N7053U was involved in an accident near Apple Valley, California, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

4 January 2003 at 16:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Apple Valley, California, United States

Coordinates

34.5792, -117.1861

Aircraft

Farmer R B DA5-A

Registration

N7053U

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Apple Valley → Yucca Valley

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX03LA059

1 person was seriously injured.

the detonation of the number 1 and 3 cylinders and the subsequent over temperature of those cylinders and their corresponding pistons.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The amateur built experimental airplane experienced a loss of engine power during cruise flight and collided with a berm during a forced landing. About 10 minutes after departure, with the airplane cruising about 1,000 feet above ground level (agl), the engine started running roughly. The engine rpm began to drop and the propeller eventually came to a stop. The pilot opted to land next to the highway in open desert. During the landing roll out the nose wheel impacted a berm and the airplane nosed over, coming to rest inverted. While examining the engine after the accident occurred, the pilot found that the number 1 and 3 cylinders showed evidence of detonation. He noted that the pistons were swollen, which he thought was a result of excessive heat from the detonation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.