2018-05-07
N5587A, a Ryan Navion A aircraft operated by Kingdom Air Corps, was conducting a post maintenance local test flight from Fort Nelson, BC (CYYE) with one pilot on board. The aircraft departed from Runway 08 and, at an altitude of approximately 100 feet AGL, the engine (Teledyne Continental Motors E185) began to run rough. The aircraft continued the climb to an altitude of approximately 500 feet AGL, at which point the aircraft lost engine power for undetermined reasons.
The pilot elected to return to the field and executed a left turn due to better landing area options and proximity of rescue personnel. However, there was insufficient altitude to make the airport and a forced landing was carried out in a grassy area, on the east side of the airport. ARFF and EMS responded to the scene.
The pilot received serious injuries, and the aircraft was substantially damage.