NTSB Factual Report

On August 18, 2016, about 0739 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Douglas T4-4K, N140EM was destroyed when it collided with the ground following a reported loss of engine power shortly after entering the traffic pattern at Nellis Air Force Base (LSV) Las Vegas, Nevada. The airline transport pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by Draken International Inc., for the U.S. Department of Defense as a public aircraft in support of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a military flight plan was filed for the simulated combat training flight. The local flight originated about 0620.

According to the pilot, he was the lead airplane of a flight of two, returning to LSV after completion of their area work. He led the formation to the overhead pattern and shortly after the break to downwind, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot at first initiated a turn towards the airport; however, he realized that he was unable to make the runway and consequently turned left towards a field and then initiated ejection. The airplane subsequently struck terrain and was consumed by fire.

Examination of the accident site by a National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge revealed that the airplane came to rest on its right side after breeching a stone wall, about 1 mile north of the approach end of runway 21R. All major components of the airplane were located in the wreckage.

The airplane wreckage was recovered to a secure location for further examination.