Primary finding
Probable cause
a loss of engine power due a blockage in the fuel tank outlet which caused fuel starvation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, the aircraft was in the initial climb after takeoff when the engine suddenly quit. The pilot reported that he did not have sufficient altitude or vehicle energy to return to the airport and attempted to land on a nearby road. The aircraft landed short and collided with rough terrain. The pilot said he suspects a fuel blockage at the tank outlet as the cause for the engine power loss.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 2, 1994, at 1000 mountain standard time, a homebulit experimental Curry Fly-Baby, N183RC, collided with rough terrain during an attempted forced landing on a road near Bisbee, Arizona. The forced landing was precipitated by a loss of engine power during the takeoff initial climb. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The aircraft was destroyed in the collision sequence. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident as a local area personal flight. According to the pilot, the aircraft was in the initial climb after takeoff when the engine suddenly quit. The pilot reported that he did not have sufficient altitude or vehicle energy to return to the airport and attempted to land on a nearby road. The aircraft landed short and collided with rough terrain. In his written report, the pilot said he suspects a fuel blockage at the tank outlet as the cause for the engine power loss. -