Flying K Skyraider, N56179: Accident occurred August 15, 2021 in Towanda, Butler County, Kansas

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Wichita, Kansas

https://registry.faa.gov/N56179

Location: Towanda, Kansas

Accident Number: CEN21LA372

Date and Time: August 15, 2021, 16:36 Local 

Registration: N56179

Aircraft: Flying K Enterprises Sky Raider 

Injuries: 1 Serious

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 15, 2021, about 1636 central daylight time, a Flying K Enterprises Sky Raider airplane, N56179 was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Towanda, Kansas. The pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported the engine run-up and takeoff were routine. However, during the initial climb about 150 ft above ground level, the engine speed started to decrease. He decided to fly a “wide circle” to return to the airport for a landing. The engine subsequently lost power, and the pilot set-up a forced landing to a field. The engine was not responding to throttle inputs. The airplane “pancaked” into the field and the landing gear collapsed resulting in damage to the fuselage.

A postaccident engine examination is planned.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Flying K

Enterprises Registration: N56179

Model/Series: Sky Raider

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built: Yes

Operator: On file 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: 3AU,1328 ft msl

Observation Time: 16:30 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 4 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 28°C /17°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Scattered / 12000 ft AGL

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 6 knots / , 180°

Lowest Ceiling: None

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.03 inches Hg 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Augusta, KS (PVT)

Destination: Augusta, KS (PVT)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 Serious

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: N/A

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries: N/A 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 Serious

Latitude, Longitude: 37.75043,-96.98402 (est)