Amateur-built A PLANE accident near Middleboro, Massachusetts, June 11, 2022
On June 11, 2022 at about 7:00 pm local time, a 2006 amateur-built A PLANE, registered N51324, was substantially damaged in an accident during takeoff near Middleboro, Massachusetts (Fisher'S Field). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). 1 person had minor injuries. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- June 11, 2022 · about 7:00 pm local time
- Place
- Middleboro, Massachusetts · Fisher'S Field · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- 1 person had minor injuries.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Amateur-built A PLANE NO SERIES, built 2006
- Registration
- N51324 · registry record · serial 4101
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot was departing for a local flight after a successful engine run-up when the accident occurred. He reported that while starting a left turn the engine rpm fluctuated before the engine lost all power. While flying slightly above the trees, the airplane stall/mushed and descended into the trees, coming to rest in a nose-low attitude. Examination of the fuel supply system and postaccident operational testing of the engine using the same fuel as the time of the accident revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Although the airplane was operated at a low power setting shortly before takeoff in environmental conditions that were favorable for serious icing at glide power, the engine was developing near full power during the subsequent takeoff. The empty carburetor bowl found during the postaccident examination likely occurred because of fuel leakage after coming to rest. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available evidence.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of engine power (total) during takeoff defining event
- Loss of control in flight during maneuvering
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during uncontrolled descent
The NTSB's findings
- Aircraft › Aircraft power plant › Engine (reciprocating) › (general) › Unknown/Not determined
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 608 hours in all; 1 in the last 30 days; 608 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: August 14, 2019
- Medical certificate: None
- Seat: frt
- Injury: minor injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 537 hours
- Last inspection: condition inspection, July 30, 2021; 2 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 550 lb
- Seats: 1
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Rotax 503 (piston); 537 hours total
The flight
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 35, 2,650 ft by 50 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 220° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: clear
- Temperature: 75°F (24°C), dew point 50°F (10°C)
- Altimeter: 29.90 inHg
- Observation at 2:52 pm from KPYM, 6 miles away
Weather report (METAR): METAR KPYM 111852Z AUTO 22007KT 10SM CLR 24/10 A2990 RMK AO2 SLP125 T02440100=
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
6 documents, released by the NTSB on November 8, 2023. View them here, or download them; the NTSB redacts some personal details before release, and this site shows the NTSB's own titles rather than its file names.
| # | Document | What it is | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot/operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 | PDF, 11 pages | View Download |
| 2 | Record of NTSB Conversations | PDF, 12 pages | View Download |
| 3 | Weather Reports and Records | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 4 | Memorandum for Record - Rotax 503 Engine Rpm Specifications | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
| 5 | Investigative Photographs | PDF, 5 pages | View Download |
| 6 | Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 | PDF, 1 page | View Download |
The same docket at the NTSB · documents without a copy here are fetched from the NTSB when you open them.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.