Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power as a result of a sticking valve in the carburetor due to dirt contamination.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported the engine performed normally during takeoff from runway 28. At an altitude of about 100 feet, the engine began to lose power. The pilot conducted a forced landing to a field. The wings were damaged during the landing. FAA examination of the airplane revealed dirt contamination of the 'posa' carburetor, resulting in a sticky valve.
Source record
Factual narrative
On Tuesday, July 19, 1994, at 1800 eastern daylight time, a Donovan Der Kricket, N41MD, an experimental homebuilt airplane, registered to and piloted by Mark W. Donovan, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing in Brockport, New York. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot conducted a takeoff from runway 28 at the Ledgedale Airport, Brockport, New York. He stated that the "engine and takeoff run was normal." He said that at an altitude of 100 feet, there was a loss of engine power. He initiated a forced landing to a field, and during the landing roll, the airplane wings were damaged. Mr. Pedro L. Munoz, a Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Inspector, examined the wreckage. In a report he stated: The owner and I took the carburetor apart. We believe the cause for the loss of the engine rpm was old dirt in the carburetor valve. The airplane had a total of 28.1 hours airframe time, and it had flown 5.3 hours since the last annual inspection. -