ANC04LA067

The private pilot/owner of the experimental amateur built airplane reported a loss of engine power about 50 feet above the ground after takeoff from a private airstrip. During the ensuing forced landing, the airplane's right wing struck a parked and unoccupied airplane, and the left main landing gear collapsed. The accident airplane sustained structural damage to the fuselage and the right wing. Initial inspection of the airplane by the owner and FAA inspectors did not reveal any obvious signs of a mechanical malfunction. No additional information concerning what may have precipitated the loss of engine power was provided by the pilot to the NTSB.

On June 24, 2004, about 0900 Alaska daylight time, a wheel-equipped Rufli homebuilt experimental airplane, N6191R, sustained substantial damage during an emergency landing following a loss of engine power after takeoff from a private airstrip, about 5 miles west of Fairbanks, Alaska. The solo private pilot was not injured. The Title 14, CFR Part 91 business flight was operated by the pilot/owner of the airplane. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight.

During a telephone conversation with the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC) on June 24, the pilot related that shortly after takeoff from the grass and gravel airstrip, at an approximate altitude of 50 feet above the runway, the engine lost all power. He said he was able to make an emergency landing on the airstrip, but during the landing roll the right wing collided with a parked and unoccupied airplane. The accident airplane received structural damage to the right wing and fuselage. The pilot indicated he was unaware of any preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane, and did not know why the engine lost power. He noted that two FAA inspectors had made a preliminary inspection of the airplane, but they were unable to determine why the engine lost power. The pilot said as repairs were made to the airplane, he would forward any information discovered regarding what may have resulted in the loss of engine power to the NTSB IIC.

The NTSB IIC had a telephone conversation on June 24 with one of the two FAA inspectors who had examined the airplane. He reported that his initial inspection disclosed no obvious mechanical issues that may have precipitated a loss of engine power.

The pilot did not complete an NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Report, nor did he contact the NTSB IIC with any additional information regarding the accident or the reason the engine lost power.