Steen SE-1 accident near Tucson, AZ

On July 13, 2002, a Steen SE-1 (airplane) was involved in an accident near Tucson, AZ. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: destroyed.

Date

July 13, 2002

Place

Tucson, AZ

Aircraft

Steen SE-1 · Airplane

Injuries

1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor

Damage

Destroyed

Position

32.150°N, 111.177°W

NTSB ID

20020725X01211

Official records · LAX02LA223

• Public docket: reports, statements and exhibits from the investigation

NTSB summary

On July 13, 2002, at 0643 mountain standard time, an amateur-built, experimental Steen SE-1 single engine airplane, N2018S, collided with trees and terrain after takeoff from Ryan Field Airport (RYN), Tucson, Arizona, after reporting engine problems. The owner/pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was fatally injured. The collision sequence and a post impact fire destroyed the airplane. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area flight, and no flight plan had been filed. According to a witness, this was the third attempt to test fly the airplane. The engine had a history of oil temperature and oil pressure problems that the owner was attempting to fix. Prior to departure, the pilot indicated to RYN tower personnel that he "hoped he would make it." After departure, the pilot radioed tower personnel that he had an engine problem and was going to attempt to land on the highway. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, the airplane impacted mesquite type trees and came to rest about 150 yards beyond the trees. The airplane engine was a Toyota MR 2 obtained from an auto salvage yard by the pilot. The inspector found no maintenance records for the airplane. Review of the FAA's aircraft records regarding the accident airplane revealed a Designated Airworthiness Representative issued a Special Airworthiness Certificate for the airplane on March 21, 2002. Photographs taken at the accident site revealed the entire airframe burnt away, wit

Probable cause

the loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons.

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Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.