Primary finding
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Shortly after takeoff the airplane's engine experienced a complete loss of power. With trees straight ahead, the pilot elected to turn left towards a clearing. Unable to reach the clearing, the airplane impacted trees and, subsequently, the ground. The airplane came to rest in a nose-down position and the pilot was able to exit unassisted. The pilot further reported that prior to takeoff he had performed a preflight inspection and verified sufficient fuel and oil for the flight. An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration responded to the accident site. The inspector reported that the airplane's left wing and fuselage had sustained structural damage. The reason for the reported loss of engine power was not determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 3, 2009, about 1300 central daylight time, a single-engine Wright Bruce Avid Flyer experimental airplane, N583AF, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Hitchcock, Texas. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. During a telephone conversation, the pilot stated that shortly after takeoff the engine experienced a complete loss of power. With trees straight ahead the pilot elected to turn left towards a clearing. Unable to reach the clearing, the airplane impacted trees and subsequently the ground. The airplane came to rest in a nose down position and the pilot was able to exit unassisted. The pilot further reported that prior to takeoff he had performed a preflight inspection and verified sufficient fuel and oil for the flight. An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the accident site. The inspector reported that the airplane's left wing and fuselage had sustained structural damage. The reason for the reported loss of engine power was not determined.