Primary finding
Probable cause
the separation of an engine coolant hose which resulted in a complete loss of engine power.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that this was the first actual flight of the newly certificated experimental aircraft which was equipped with a modified Subaru automobile engine. The pilot said he had been airborne for about 15 minutes when a spray of coolant appeared on his windshield. The engine subsequently quit and the aircraft collided with high vegetation and ground obstructions during a forced landing in a field. The pilot said that a coolant hose separated.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 31, 1993, at 1415 Pacific standard time, a homebuilt experimental Silver KR2 airplane, N8SJ, collided with ground obstructions during a forced landing in Fontana, California. The forced landing was precipitated by a total loss of engine power. The aircraft, owned and operated by the pilot, was on its first test flight following construction and certification. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The certificated commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The flight originated at the Rialto, California, airport on the day of the mishap at 1400 hours as a local area test flight. The pilot reported that this was the first actual flight of the newly certificated experimental aircraft, which was equipped with a modified Subaru automobile engine. The pilot said he had been airborne for about 15 minutes when a spray of coolant appeared on his windshield. The engine subsequently quit and the aircraft collided with high vegetation and ground obstructions during a forced landing in a field. The pilot said that a coolant hose separated. -