Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of directional control during a precautionary landing, which resulted in a collision with a fence post.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, during climb out, the engine of the weight-shift control aircraft momentarily lost all power. After leveling off, the engine regained power, and he performed a precautionary landing in a field. The landing was uneventful, but when he applied the brakes, he mistakenly applied the foot throttle. The aircraft accelerated, and he lost directional control. The aircraft impacted a fence post and sustained substantial damage to the airframe. An examination of the engine did not reveal the source of the momentary loss of engine power.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 27, 2021, about 1900 central daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Twin weight-shift control aircraft, N327TT, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Unionville, Tennessee. The pilot received serious injuries, and the passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he was on a local flight with a friend. After departure, he was climbing through 500 ft above ground level when the engine momentarily lost all power. After leveling off, engine power was regained, and he conducted a precautionary landing in a field. The landing was uneventful, but when he applied the brakes, he mistakenly applied the foot throttle. The aircraft accelerated, and he lost directional control. The aircraft collided with a fence post and sustained substantial damage to the airframe. Additionally, the engine sustained impact damage and its fuel lines were destroyed. The aircraft was recovered, and during the examination of the engine, the source of the brief loss of engine power could not be determined.