Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to a malfunction of the fuel controller resulting in a compressor stall.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The turbojet airplane was on initial takeoff when the pilot began a power reduction on the throttle. A loud bang was heard and vibrations were felt by the pilot. The engine began to lose power and the pilot attempted to land the airplane at the airport, but landed short resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. An examination of the experimental engine by the owner/manufacturer revealed a malfunction of the fuel controller which resulted in a compressor stall and subsequent loss of engine power.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 9, 2010, approximately 1000 mountain daylight time, a Jorritsma Berkut, N3255U, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power during initial takeoff . The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was departing the Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport (KFNL), Loveland, Colorado at the time of the accident. According to a statement provided by the pilot, shortly after departing KFNL and climbing through 7,500 feet mean seal level, the pilot made a power reduction. A loud bang was heard and vibrations were felt by the pilot. The pilot scanned the engine instruments and determined that the engine was "rolling back" and losing power. The pilot attempted to return to the airport, but impacted terrain short of the runway. The airplane's landing gear collapsed during the forced landing, and substantial damage was sustained to the fuselage and both wings. The engine was equipped with an experimental engine. The Jorritsma T58-8F was a turbojet engine based on General Electric T58-GE-8F turboshaft design. The engine's compressor section has variable stators which are actuated by the fuel controller. An examination of the engine by the owner/manufacturer revealed that a malfunction of the fuel controller resulted in conditions conducive for compressor stalls.