NTSB Factual Report

On November 26, 2001, about 1530 eastern standard time, a Vernon D. Pitts, Van's RV-4 , N15VP, registered to, and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, incurred a loss of engine power and crashed in Burgaw, North Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The airline transport-rated pilot, sole occupant of the aircraft, received minor injuries, and the aircraft incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from Burgaw, North Carolina, the same day, about 1430.

The pilot stated that he had been flying his aircraft for about 15 to 20 minutes, and was in the process of returning to the airport to land when the accident occurred. According to the pilot, he reduced power to idle upon entering a left downwind for runway 29, and at that time the engine ceased operating. He stated that he attempted to restart the engine, while switching fuel tanks, and turning the boost pump off, and then on again, since it had been on during the entire flight. He said the engine did not start, and on the short base leg it became evident that he was not going to clear the tree line next to runway 29 at minimum speed. The aircraft collided with some trees at the end of the runway 29, and the wings incurred substantial damage.

The pilot, who is also a licensed FAA mechanic, said he examined the aircraft, and could not find any problems with the aircraft, and further stated that he suspected vapor lock.

An FAA inspector stated that he, along with the owner examined the accident aircraft, and also conducted a test of the engine. He stated he placed the aircraft on "blocks" and test ran the engine, simulating events the pilot had stated, and could find no anomalies. He said that the engine operated normally when tested.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.