NTSB Factual Report

On November 28, 2002, at 1456 central standard time, a Shepherd Kolb Mark III homebuilt experimental airplane, N4672D, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of power shortly after takeoff from a private grass airstrip near Norfork, Arkansas. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The 350-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that, prior to take off, he refueled the airplane with 28 gallons of 93-octane automotive fuel and checked the fuel sump for signs of contamination. After a normal takeoff, the engine "quit" approximately 100 feet AGL. Subsequently, the airplane descended into a tree line and came to rest upright.

The pilot reported that the airplane sustained structural damage to the cabin section of the fuselage and the right wing. He also reported that he found water in the carburetor bowl. Upon discovering water in the carburetor bowl, the pilot drained 26 gallons of fuel from the tank and found no visible signs of water. The pilot stated that he suspected that "fuel contamination" was the reason for the loss of engine power.

The pilot further reported to an FAA inspector who responded to the site of the accident, that the airplane had been flown for 5 hours in the past 90 days and the fuel tank was left half full for a "long time" before being filled prior to the day of the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident were the trees.