Charlton, MA, USA
UNREG
LaBarge Titan Tornado I
The non-certificated pilot was attempting his first flight in an uncertificated experimental airplane, with an uncertificated engine. The pilot had recently completed construction of the airplane, and prior to the accident flight, the engine had accumulated 7 hours of operation. Before the accident takeoff, the pilot let the engine warm up for 10 minutes while taxiing on the runway. The airplane then took off uneventfully. About 1,000 feet agl, the engine lost all power, and the pilot performed a forced landing into trees. Examination of the engine revealed scoring in the forward piston and cylinder, and the location of the scoring was consistent with a cold seizure. The engine was subsequently test run on the accident airplane with no difficulties.
On September 24, 2003, about 1000 eastern daylight time, an unregistered Titan Tornado I amateur built airplane, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a total loss of engine power while departing Dresser Hill Airport (MA30), Charlton, Massachusetts. The non-certificated pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot stated that he had recently completed construction of the airplane. Prior to the day of the accident, the airplane was flown successfully on three different occasions, and the engine had accumulated about 7 hours of operation. Before the accident takeoff, the pilot let the engine warm up for 10 minutes while taxiing to the runway. The airplane then departed on the north runway at MA30, a 2,000 foot-long, 300 foot-wide, turf runway. The pilot reported that the takeoff was smooth; however, about 1,000 feet agl, the engine lost all power, and the pilot performed a forced landing into trees. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane about 3/4-mile from the airport. It was oriented nose down, and entangled in trees. The single wing had separated from the airplane, and the fuselage was buckled. The inspector noted that the airplane was equipped with a Rotax 503 engine, and the propeller did not exhibited any leading edge gouging or chordwise scratching. Fuel was present in the fuel lines, and it was absent of visible contamination. The inspector rotated the propeller by hand, and obtained thumb compression on both cylinders. While preparing the engine for a test run, the inspector observed scoring in the forward cylinder. Specifically, scoring was present near the 10 o'clock position as seen from the rear of the engine. Scoring was also present near the 2-3 o'clock position on the front piston. The inspector subsequently test ran the engine on the accident airplane with no difficulty. A representative from the engine manufacturer stated that the location of the scoring was consistent with a cold seizure. Review of a make and model engine 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 confirms 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 that he knows this engine is subject to sudden stoppage. " .
A seizure of the forward piston during the initial climb.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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