Davenport (Van'S) RV-8F accident near College Place, WA
On April 1, 2004, a Davenport (Van'S) RV-8F (airplane) was involved in an accident near College Place, WA. 1 person died. Damage to the aircraft: substantial.
- Date
- April 1, 2004
- Place
- College Place, WA
- Aircraft
- Davenport (Van'S) RV-8F · Airplane
- Injuries
- 1 fatal, 0 serious, 0 minor
- Damage
- Substantial
- Position
- 46.047°N, 118.418°W
- NTSB ID
- 20040405X00421
NTSB summary
HISTORY OF FLIGHT On April 1, 2004, approximately 1138 Pacific standard time, a Davenport (Van's) RV-8F homebuilt experimental aircraft, N284DM, registered to and being flown/operated by a commercial pilot sustained substantial damage during an in-flight collision with terrain following a loss of power on initial climb at College Place, Washington. The pilot was fatally injured and there was no post-crash fire. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, originated from Martin Field, College Place, Washington, approximately 1135 and was destined for Walla Walla, Washington. A pilot of a second RV-8F, N254LF, had just departed Martin Field immediately after N284DM. He reported that N284DM made a climbing right turn after departing runway 23 and he executed the same right turn upon his departure following in loose formation (refer to Chart I). He estimated the separation between his aircraft and the preceding N284DM to be about 300 feet and he "...observed N284DM roll from its r[igh]t bank climb attitude. Then to a shallow left bank. At the same time N284 slowed rapidly and began a descent...." He further reported that while in a climb, his aircraft overtook and passed N284DM and that he maintained visual contact with the aircraft observing it impact the ground in a wings level, flat pitch attitude. He reported observing the impact in his 4-5 o'clock position while climbing through 300-400 feet above ground (refer to Attachment W-I). The pilot of N254LF also reported that both he and N284DM were in radio communic
Probable cause
A loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s) and the pilot's failure to maintain adequate flying airspeed during the forced landing. A contributing factor was the pilot's decision to attempt a turn at low altitude.
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Browse: Washington
Source: NTSB aviation accident database (US government, public domain). Findings may be preliminary or later revised by the NTSB. Not a complete global record.
