Chesapeake, VA, USA
N11BV
Micket Avid Aerobat
During the initial climb after takeoff, the amateur built airplane experienced a total loss of engine power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane struck a tree. The airplane was equipped with an uncertificated , 2-cylinder Rotax engine. The pilot additionally stated that the engine had been previously installed in another airplane, where it also experienced a seizure, and that prior to the accident flight, the engine had undergone a "condition inspection." A post-accident engine examination revealed "scuffing" on the number one cylinder. The engine manufacturer operating manual stated in part, 'This engine, by its design, is subject to sudden stoppage! ...Never fly the aircraft equipped with this engine at locations, airspeeds, altitudes, or other circumstances from which a successful no-power landing cannot be made, after sudden engine stoppage.'
On July 13, 2002, about 1830 eastern daylight time, an amateur built Avid Aerobat, N11BV, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after it experienced a total loss of engine power during initial climb from the Hampton Roads Executive Airport (PVG), Chesapeake, Virginia. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, prior to the accident flight, the engine had undergone a "condition inspection." After a pre-flight inspection, the pilot taxied the airplane to runway 10 at PVG, and conducted a run-up of the engine. The pilot did not note any abnormalities with the engine's operation. Shortly after departure, as the airplane was climbing, the engine lost all power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane struck a tree and sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot additionally stated that the engine had been previously installed in another airplane, where it experienced a seizure. The engine had accumulated about 60 hours of total operation time. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the engine after the accident. He was able to rotate the crankshaft by hand. When the inspector removed the exhaust system, he observed "scuffing" on the number one cylinder. The airplane was powered by a 2-cycle, 2-cylinder Rotax 582 engine. An excerpt from the engine manufacturer's operating manual revealed: "Danger! This engine, by its design, is subject to sudden stoppage! Engine stoppage can result in crash landings. Such crash landings can lead to serious bodily injury or death. Never fly the aircraft equipped with this engine at locations, airspeeds, altitudes, or other circumstances from which a successful no-power landing cannot be made, after sudden engine stoppage. Warning! Although these engine types have undergone considerable durability testing, this engine is not a certified aircraft engine. It has not received any individual safety or durability testing and conforms to no aircraft standards. It is for use in experimental and ultralight uncertified aircraft and vehicles only, in which an engine failure will not compromise safety. User assumes all risk of use and acknowledges by his use the he knows this engine is subject to sudden stoppage."
A total loss of engine power due to a seized cylinder, and the pilot's improper decision to conduct the flight with a known deficiency to the engine.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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