Primary finding
Probable cause
The engine power loss for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of available runway onto which the forced landing could be executed.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he experienced a complete power loss shortly after liftoff from the private strip. He executed a forced landing straight ahead and was able to get the airplane back onto the takeoff runway. However, the airplane ran off the end into a hedge row. The pilot stated that following the accident, the engine started and ran normally at idle, but he could not test it at other power settings.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 29, 1993, at approximately 1715 central daylight time, a Kelm Zenair CH-701, N27DK, was substantially damaged when it collided with a hedge row during a forced landing near South Bend, Arkansas. The forced landing was executed following a complete power loss. The airplane, flown by a private pilot, was on a local personal flight. There was no flight plan filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The pilot stated that he had taken off from the private strip intending to stay in the traffic pattern. He further stated that shortly after liftoff, the engine lost power without warning. He was able to get the airplane back onto the sod runway. However, the airplane ran off the end into the hedge row. The pilot stated that following the accident, the engine started and ran normally at idle, but he could not test it at other power settings. -