Preliminary NTSB report on Newport State crash

The preliminary NTSB report has been released for the crash of N9888K at Newport State Airport on July 3. Because it’s just a preliminary report, there’s no probable cause yet — that’ll be released in the final report, probably in a few months.

A few interesting (to me) findings so far:

• No apparent engine anomalies yet, although some parts were destroyed in the post-crash fire.
• The last inspection had taken place less than two weeks before the crash.
• The aircraft was fully fueled before takeoff, no doubt contributing to the catastrophic post-crash fire.
• Keith Ulich, the student pilot, had completed his first solo flight in June.

There’s no obvious cause in the preliminary findings; it’ll be interesting to see what the NTSB comes up with in their final report.