CEN11LA186

The pilot recently purchased the aircraft, and the accident flight was intended to be an orientation flight around the traffic pattern followed by a landing. Shortly after departure, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of engine and electrical power. During the forced landing, the aircraft settled into the tops of trees, resulting in substantial damage. A postaccident examination revealed that a fuse was blown which was believed to be associated with the electronic ignition circuit; however, the pilot did not have a schematic for the airplane so this could not be confirmed. The examination of the remaining systems revealed no anomalies. Investigators were unable to determine the reason for the simultaneous loss of engine and electrical power after takeoff.

On February 11, 2011, approximately 1330 central standard time, a Gadbois Apex Cross-5 Weight Shift Control aircraft, N751EW, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain after departure from Rusty Allen Airport (KRYW), Lago Vista, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. In the written statement submitted by the pilot, he recently purchased the aircraft and the accident flight was intended to be a simple orientation flight around the traffic pattern followed by a landing. Shortly after departure, the aircraft experienced a simultaneous loss of engine and electrical power. During the forced landing, the aircraft settled into the tops of scrub trees. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector the brace connecting the main fuselage to the wing assembly was broken. Both wings were bent and twisted. During the examination it was noted that a fuse was blown which was believed to be associated with the electronic ignition circuit. The pilot did not have a schematic for the airplane so this could not be confirmed. The examination of the remaining systems, conducted by the FAA inspector revealed no anomalies.