CEN12LA014

The engine lost power shortly after takeoff about 400 feet above ground level. The pilot's efforts to restore engine power were not successful. He initiated a left turn in order to set up for a forced landing; however, the airplane stalled and impacted the ground. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of an engine malfunction or failure. Carburetor icing was not probable under takeoff power at the time of the accident. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

On October 11, 2011, about 1100 eastern daylight time, a Peck Zodiac 601XL airplane, N4595P, impacted terrain following a loss of engine power after takeoff at the Lake Ann Airway Estates Airport (4M0), Traverse City, Michigan. The pilot was seriously injured. The experimental, amateur-built airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. A witness reported that he observed the airplane takeoff and begin to climb. He then heard the engine sputter twice and immediately lose power. The airplane entered a wide left turn and subsequently impacted the ground. It came to rest in the front yard of a residence located adjacent to the airport. The pilot did not report any anomalies with the start-up or taxi. He stated that after takeoff, about 400 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. His efforts to restore engine power were not successful. He initiated a left turn in order to set-up for a forced landing; however, the airplane stalled and impacted the ground. A postaccident examination of the airplane did not reveal any anomalies consistent with an in-flight loss of engine power. Fuel recovered from the airplane did not exhibit any visible contamination or sediment. Weather conditions recorded at the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), located about 15 miles east of 4M0, at 1053, were: wind from 170 degrees at 4 knots, scattered clouds at 18,000 feet above ground level, 10 miles visibility, temperature 21 degrees Celsius, dew point 10 degrees Celsius, and altimeter 30.05 inches of mercury. Federal Aviation Administration guidance indicated a possibility of engine carburetor icing only at glide power based on the recorded weather conditions.