20240803019189A

On 8/3/2024 a test flight was conducted on the accident aircraft. This was the seventh (7th) test flight in phase I for the aircraft and first test flight following a two-week maintenance period. The purpose of the mishap flight was to evaluate takeoff and landing performance of the aircraft using the eaa’s flight test cards (card 10 and 11).

An engine run was conducted with the cowl off. Communications with the amp was established and maintained throughout the ground run and test flight using a discrete radio frequency. The engine runup was completed successfully with no abnormal engine indications noted. The cowling was then installed and the aircraft taxied to the self-service fuel pump where it was fully fueled the wings, wingtips, and header tank with 100LL. A total of 22.3 gallons was added, making the usable fuel for the test flight 71 gallons.

The aircraft was started and runup at the approach end of runway 33. The next 40 minutes of the flight consisted of a series of takeoffs and landings with various flap settings, and the aircraft remaining in the traffic pattern. The landing gear was leftdown for this portion of the flight. The winds were calm at the beginning of the flight and only increased to light and variable by the end of the flight. The first three takeoffs and landings were conducted to runway 33. The next seven takeoffs and landings were conducted to runway 15. After the ninth takeoff (approximately 40 minutes into the flight) the pilot proceeded to klew to complete the secondary objective of testing the avionics in aircraft.

Two straight-in approaches were flown to runway 4 at klew, the first testing the ILS and the second testing the RNAV approach, verifying lateral and vertical guidance displayed on the HSI and CDI. Following the first approach the landing gear was retracted to check that system, then completed the second approach to klew with the gear up. Both approaches were executed as low approaches.

Pilot proceeded back to 81B and conducted one landing on runway 15. After verifying the winds were light and variable pilot decided to make one more landing on runway 33 for data collection.

Takeoff appeared as the previous flights. As previously briefed and executed, the landing gear was kept in the down position throughout the pattern. On the downwind, after reducing the throttle to approximately 25” mp, the engine exhibited some roughness. This was communicated to the amp over the radio. He recommended a magneto check, which was accomplished on the base leg. Given the engine roughness pilot made an additional turn, angling toward runway 33. At around 300 ft. AGL, as pilot placed the ignition switch to the both position the engine failed abruptly. Aircraft was turned toward the airport while checking the left then the right ignition positions with no change. Pilot placed the fuel selector to header position and placed the boost pump on with no change. At that point pilot stopped any troubleshooting and focused on making a forced landing. It appeared as though the aircraft was on a path to hit the tree line short of runway 33 so just prior to reaching the trees pilot extended the flaps which provided enough lift to clear the trees. Once he cleared the trees pilot prioritized AOA control and keeping the wings level. The pilot attempted to flare just prior to touchdown then the airplane impacted the airport perimeter road. Pilot maintained consciousness throughout the landinga and observed the main landing gear departing the aircraft as it came to rest. Pilot evacuated aircraft and emergency sevices were quickly on scene.