Primary finding
Probable cause
a partial loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during his attempt to land the airplane back on the runway. A factor in the accident was the pilot's decision not to land in the suitable fields surrounding the airport.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he had departed runway 27, and at 400 feet above ground level, just after he had retracted the landing gear, the engine had a loss of power. He reported that he made a 180 degree left turn to downwind to return to the runway. When he realized that he was not going to regain power, he made another left turn to try to land on the runway. The aircraft impacted a field left wing first and came to rest about 20 feet beyond the initial engine impact. The pilot stated that the stall warning was sounding during much of his attempt to return to the runway. The runway was surrounded by flat plowed farm fields. An inspection of the aircraft and engine systems, except for the fuel injection unit which was destroyed, revealed no defects.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 4, 1995, at 1308 central standard time, a Beech 33, N9559Y, received substantial during a forced landing due to a loss of engine power near Lone Rock, Wisconsin. The private pilot and one passenger received minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed Tri-County Regional Airport, Lone Rock, Wisconsin, en route to Richland Center, Wisconsin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that he had departed runway 27 and at 400 feet above ground level, just after he had retracted the landing gear, the engine had a loss of power. The pilot reported to the Airworthiness Inspector of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), that he made a 180 degree left turn to downwind to return to the runway. He reported that when he realized that he was not going to regain power, he made another left turn to try land on the runway. The aircraft impacted a field left wing first and came to rest about 20 feet beyond the initial engine impact. In his interview with the FAA Airworthiness Inspector, the pilot stated that the stall warning was sounding during much of his attempt to return to the runway. The runway was surrounded by flat plowed farm fields. An inspection of the aircraft and engine systems, except for the fuel injection unit which was destroyed, revealed no defects. (See attachments) -