The pilot was also the owner/builder of the Van’s RV-7A. He had removed and reinstalled the engine after the plane experienced a propeller strike. The accident flight was the first flight after the engine was reinstalled.
According to the pilot, he performed high-speed taxi runs, followed by a normal takeoff in Cortland, N.Y. After takeoff, he climbed to altitude and confirmed the flight controls were functioning properly.
He then entered the airport traffic pattern and on his first attempt to land, performed a go-around. On his second attempt to land, he reported that everything seemed normal, but he was fast on the approach and decided to add power for another go-around.
The engine didn’t respond, so he proceeded straight ahead and secured the engine. The airplane landed past the departure end of the runway in a grassy area. The nosewheel dug into the ground and the plane nosed over and came to rest inverted. He sustained minor injuries.
A post-accident examination by FAA inspectors revealed substantial damage to the fuselage and the castle nut that attached the throttle arm to the fuel servo was missing a cotter pin.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as a partial loss of engine power during a go-around due to incorrect maintenance of the fuel system by the pilot/builder.
NTSB Identification: ERA13CA375
This August 2013 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Good thing to do, Paul.
The more eyes the better and worth the expense
After such a major overhaul on an airplane like replacing its most critical component, the engine, I personally wouldn’t consider taking it off the ground without having it inspected by an IA. Just saying.