Hummelbird Hummelbird
Sunrise, FL — June 21, 2009
Event Information
| Date | June 21, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Sunrise, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 26.19667, -80.29500 |
| Airport | Pompano Beach Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
| NTSB Number | ERA09CA361 |
| Event ID | 20090621X35920 |
Aircraft
| Make | Hummelbird |
| Model | Hummelbird |
| Registration # | N824RS |
| Operator | Ralph Squeglia |
| Owner | Ralph Squeglia |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
A partial loss of engine power during cruise flight for an undetermined reason.
Full Narrative
The pilot/builder of an experimental, amateur-built airplane was in cruise flight at 1,000 feet above ground level when the engine started running rough. The pilot stated that he was unable to maintain altitude, and performed an emergency off-field landing on a road. During the landing roll the tailwheel broke; the pilot then lost control of the airplane, which impacted a metal pole, resulting in damage to the right wing forward spar. According to the pilot, the airplane had 4.5 gallons of fuel on board at departure and flew for 25 minutes prior to the accident. During examination of the airplane, the pilot/builder did not note any mechanical anomalies. The airplane was equipped with a non-certificated, 37.5 horsepower Volkswagen engine.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.