ERA21LA277

Factual narrative

On July 4, 2021, about 1252 eastern daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built RV-7A, N654C, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Pottstown, Pennsylvania. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, who was also the owner/builder of the airplane, a preflight inspection and engine run-up were normal. During the initial climb after takeoff, at 800 ft mean sea level, the engine lost all power and the pilot attempted to return to the airport; however, the airplane impacted terrain before the runway and a postcrash fire ensued. The pilot reported that, at the time of the accident, the airplane had accrued about 3.4 total flight hours. He reported that the airplane logbooks were in the airplane at the time of the accident. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident site, only the outer portions of both wings and a portion of the tail were undamaged by the fire. The engine and cockpit sustained extensive fire damage. The electric ignition system, wiring harness, and fuel pumps were all fractured and melted. The airplane was equipped with a Subaru engine. The automotive fuel that the pilot used to fuel the airplane was stored in a bucket in the pilot’s hangar. It did not contain any water or other visible contaminants. The pilot stated that, after a normal preflight inspection and engine run-up, the engine lost all power about 800 ft above ground level during takeoff. He attempted to return to the airport; however, the airplane impacted terrain before the runway and a postcrash fire ensued. Most of the airplane was destroyed by fire. The extensive thermal damage precluded examination of the engine, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined