NTSB Factual Report

On May 16, 2001, at 1800 central daylight time, an amateur-built Baldwin RV-6, N4348Q, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during a nose over while executing a forced landing. The airplane lost engine power on initial climb after takeoff from runway 24 (5,500 feet by 100 feet, concrete) at the Muscatine Municipal Airport, Muscatine, Iowa. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not on a flight plan and was operating in visual meteorological conditions. The pilot and his one passenger received minor injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that he, "Was departing Muscatine, Iowa airport [at] 6:00 pm for a local flight. After the normal systems checks and engine runup, I began my departure. At approx. 400' AGL the RPM started to fall off. I checked carb heat, mixture. Both set properly. Pumped throttle since it seemed like the problem could be fuel flow. (Tanks were full, fuel valve turned to right tank, fuel pump on.) After 10-15 seconds from begining of problem the engine stopped." The pilot landed the aircraft in a field containing a tree line, an irrigation system and a drainage ditch. The pilot said, "The soil was soft and sandy. On touchdown the gear dug in and the plane flipped over to its back."

The Federal Aviation Administration conducted a postaccident examination of the aircraft. The examination of the aircraft failed to reveal any anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

The engine failure for undetermined reasons. Factors were the low altitude, the trees, the presence of the irrigation system, the ditch and the soft ground.