ATL03LA102

Factual narrative

On May 31, 2003, at 1317 central daylight time, a Collier, Quickie, N389Q, registered to a private owner and operated by a student pilot, collided with trees while conducting an emergency landing at the Thomas C. Russell Field, Alexander City, Alabama. Visual conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was conducted under the provision of Title 14 CFR Part 91 and visual flight rules. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot reported no injuries. The flight departed Alexander City, Alabama, on May 31, 2003, at 1300. According to the pilot, during climb out the engine began to emit smoke. The pilot attempted to return to the airport for an emergency landing. During the approach to land, the cockpit filled with smoke and the engine began to run rough. While on final approach to land the airplane collided with trees at the approach end of runway. Examination of the engine revealed that it produced compression on both cylinders when the crankshaft was rotated. The spark plugs were tan in color, and signs of fuel were noted on the spark plug electrodes. The ignition wiring harness on the engine was twist tied in several places, and covered with electrical tape. The fuel tank contained approximately a half a tank of fuel. Examination of the exhaust system revealed that the exhaust muffler was vented outside of the airframe under the engine compartment. There were no breaches in the exhaust system. The aircraft maintenance logs were not recovered for examination. During the examination, no mechanical defects with the engine or airframe were found. According to the pilot, during climb out the engine began to emit smoke. The pilot attempted to return to the airport for an emergency landing. During the approach to land, the cockpit filled with smoke and the engine began to run rough. While on final approach to land the airplane collided with trees. Examination of the engine revealed that it produced compression on both cylinders when the crankshaft was rotated. The spark plugs were tan in color, and signs of fuel were noted on the spark plug electrodes. The ignition wiring harness on the engine was twist tied in several places, and covered with electrical tape. The fuel tank contained approximately a half a tank of fuel. Examination of the exhaust system revealed that the exhaust muffler was vented outside of the airframe under the engine compartment. There were no breaches in the exhaust system. The aircraft maintenance logs were not recovered for examination. At the conclusion of the examination no defects with the engine or airframe were found. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12