Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane was observed entering the downwind for runway 33, and at mid-field the pilot radioed the unicom that the airplane's engine was losing power. The pilot turned the airplane toward the runway, but overshot the runway centerline. The pilot attempted to align the airplane with the runway, and struck a tree short of the runway. The investigation of the airplane did not reveal evidence of mechanical malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 23, 1994, about 1750 eastern standard time, an Experimental, 1940 Bordom Fighter, N1932F, piloted by Mr. Randolph Flagg, collided with a tree during a forced landing while in the traffic pattern at Central Maine Airport, Norridgewock, Maine. The Student Pilot was seriously injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR 91. The airplane was observed entering the downwind for runway 33, and at mid-field the pilot radioed the UNICOM that the airplane's engine was losing power. The pilot turned the airplane toward the runway, but over shot the runway's centerline. The pilot attempted to align the airplane with the runway, and struck a tree short of the runway. According to FAA Inspector, Gary Readio, "Witness stated that the aircraft engine appeared to have quit altogether, but then would sporadically 'power up' and run in short bursts." Mr. Readio wrote: "It appeared that the pilot should have been able to make a normal power off landing from his position...the next anyone saw the aircraft, it was to the east [of] the centerline, descending towards trees." Examination of the engine did not reveal any discrepancies. -