WPR24LA074

Factual narrative

On January 16, 2024, at 1130 Pacific standard time, a Sonex experimental amateur-built airplane N920MB was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident on a public road near the Auburn Municipal Airport (KS50) Auburn, Washington. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff during the climb, he experienced a partial loss power and began to descend. The pilot planned to land the airplane on a road straight ahead, but several seconds later the engine regained power, enabling the airplane to climb. Approximately forty seconds later, the airplane experienced a total loss of power. The pilot turned in the direction of the airport while in a forced descent, where its wingtip collided with a business sign that spun its orientation in the opposite direction, coming to rest by impacting a light post. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and fuselage. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine fuel and control-Fuel controlling system-Damaged/degraded