19990501046429A

(-23)On may 1, 1999, at 1128 central daylight time (CDT), an experimental aircraft, make: avid flyer and model: mark iv, N313N, piloted by a commerical pilot (daniel paul narzinski), received substantial damage to the aircraft's fuselage tubing when making an emergency landing due to engine failure. The damage received to the fuselage occurred when the inboard side of the left main gear made impact with the terrain, pushing the left gear outboard. The left main gear is connected to the tubular fuselage by a bungee wrap and a gear safetly cable. When the gear was pushed outboard from impact, the bungee wraps and gear safety cable pulled the fuselage tubing causing it to bend. The pilot (narzinski)reported that all pre-takeoff checks and takeoff from creve coure airport (1HO) at approximately 1100 (CDT) were normal. Pilot (narzinski) reported that at an altitude of 1800 ft (MSL) he reduced power 6000 prm whick gave an indicated airspeed of 88 mph. Pilot (narzinski) reported that all engine indications and sounds were normal. He then descended to 1400 ft (MSL) and after 30 minutes of flight he began a gentle left turn to a northerly heading towards the Alton bridge when he sensed a smooth, uncommanded power reduction to 5400 RPM over a 4 second interval. Pilot (narzinski) stated that he added more throttle but there was no reaction for power increase over a 5 second interval. Pilot (narzinski) continued to turn at left at a 315 degree heading towards the nearest airport, smartt field (set). At this moment he checked the idnition switch to ensure it was in the "both" position and fuel valve to ensure it is was in the "on" position visually and physically to ensure both were in detent. He continued to state that within another 5 second interval the rmp fell to 4000 and held there for approximately 2 seconds, then smoothly went to zero within the next 5 seconds. The propeller stopped. Pilot (narzinski) reported a total time of 21 seconds from the first indication of engine trouble until the engine RPM indicator read zero. He stated that he did not hear anything unusual, feel anything mechanical, or see any abnormal indications at any time. Pilot (narzinski) reported that the power-off glide speed stabilized at 950 fpm. He deduced that he could not turn much and considered a radio call, but time would not permit it. The pilot (narzinski) then glided the aircraft into a farmer's field. At about 10 ft of altitude he went full up with the elevator which quickly lowered the aircraft speed to 50 mph and sink rate of about 600 fpm. Pilot (narzinski) reported that he touched down uphill on the lip of a depression in the field. Landing tailwheel first, bounced over a horizontal distance of approximately 20 ft.. The first 150 ft. of roll out was straight, afterwards the aircraft began to swerve to the right and pilot (narzinski) corrected the problem by applying the left rudder and brake. In the final 20 ft. of roll out, the wind furrowed land slew the aircraft gently to the rigth through a 150 degree turn. Pilot (narzinski) reported that he exited the aircraft without injury, but upon exiting he noticed damage to the fuselage area where the left landing gear bungee cord attaches to it. Also he checked the propeller and found it creased. Pilot (narzinski) was counseled by asi's of the st. louis FSDO for not possessing his pilot's license during the flight in which the accident occurred. The actual cause of the engine failure has not been determined at this time. There was approximately a one inch hole found on the crankcase at the number one cylinder. The engine was removed from the aircraft and routed to the NTSB, and will undergo a tear down inspection which is presently scheduled to occur during the month of June 1999.