ATL99LA012

According to the pilot, during the take off climb, approximately 50 feet above ground level, engine rpm dropped from 3000 rpm to about 2000 rpm, and altitude could not be maintained. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft to avoid obstructions ahead and performed a forced landing in a field adjacent to the runway. The aircraft nosed over on the landing roll, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot exited the aircraft with no injuries. Post crash examination of the engine revealed that the carburetor heat was in the 'on' position. The wires that hold the carburetor heat box hose open were found bunched toward the bottom of the inlet to the box, allowing the hose to collapse, and starving the carburetor of air.

On November 7, 1998 about 1255 eastern standard time, an experimental amateur built Aerosport WS-15-2 Quail, N88760, nosed over adjacent to Hall Field Airport near Parkton, North Carolina. The airplane was operated by the private pilot/owner under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The private pilot was not injured, and the airplane received substantial damage.

According to the pilot, during the take off climb, approximately 50 feet above ground level, engine rpm dropped from 3000 rpm to about 2000 rpm, and altitude could not be maintained. With no runway remaining and obstructions ahead, the pilot maneuvered and performed a forced landing in a field adjacent to the runway where the airplane nosed over on the landing roll. The pilot exited the aircraft with no injuries.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who visited the site, substantial damage was done to the aircraft consisting of, fuselage badly crinkled and bent midway between the aft wing and stabilizer, and the vertical stabilizer was crushed at the top quarter. Other damage consisted of, wooden propeller broken in half, nose wheel broken off, gouges and dents in the wings, and light damage to the rudder. The inspector found the carburetor heat in the "on" position and stated, the wires that hold the carburetor heat box hose open were found in a bunch toward the bottom of the inlet to the box.