Primary finding
Probable cause
The seizure of a piston during the takeoff climb, resulting in a loss of engine power, forced landing, and subsequent collision with trees.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the initial takeoff climb, about 200 feet above ground level, the engine lost total power. The pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane collided with trees and power lines. The FAA inspector stated that during the postaccident examination, the engine was successfully test run; however, 'inspection revealed evidence of scoring and a small amount of galling on the forward cylinder only.'
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 2, 1995, about 1625 eastern daylight time, an experimental, Cheney Avid Flyer, N29GC, was substantially damaged when it collided with trees and power lines during a forced landing, near Newton, New Hampshire. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. There was no flight plan for the local flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported that he departed near a pond in Newton. During the initial takeoff climb, about 200 feet above ground level, the engine lost total power, and he performed a forced landing. The airplane collided with trees and power lines during the forced landing. During postaccident examination, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector test ran the engine successfully; However, the FAA Inspector stated: ...Removed the exhaust system to gain visual access to the cylinder walls piston rings and the piston. Inspection revealed evidence of scoring and a small amount of galling on the forward cylinder only. This evidence is uniform to piston to cylinder wall seizure.... -