The Engine Started To Miss, And The Airplane Wouldn’t Climb

Location: Livermore, CA Accident Number: WPR21LA072
Date & Time: December 21, 2020, 15:25 Local Registration: N4106K
Aircraft: Navion Navion A Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Flight test

On December 21, 2020, at 1525 Pacific standard time, a Navion A, N4106K, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK), Livermore, California. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot was conducting a test flight and reported the runup was normal and the engine developed full power during takeoff. However, shortly after takeoff, as he turned crosswind and throttled back, the engine started to miss, and the airplane wouldn’t climb. The pilot returned to runway 25L for landing.

When the pilot was on final, he reduced the throttle again for the approach and the engine quit. The pilot landed short of the runway and the left wing impacted concrete blocks.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov