CEN26LA246

The accident flight was the non-certificated pilot's first flight in the unregistered airplane since he had overhauled the experimental engine. The pilot, who was also not certificated as a mechanic, performed the engine overhaul and subsequently conducted more than 5 hours of engine ground runs. During the initial climb after takeoff, the pilot observed an exhaust gas temperature of about 1,200°F. In response, he reduced engine power and initiated a right turn with the intention of re-entering the airport traffic pattern. At about 150 ft above ground level, the engine seized and experienced a total loss of power. The pilot conducted a forced landing straight ahead to a plowed field. During the landing roll, the main landing gear dug into the soft terrain, and the airplane nosed over. The empennage subsequently separated from the fuselage resulting in substantial damage. Following the accident, the pilot removed the wreckage from the accident site and disposed of it before the airframe and engine could be examined by investigators. The pilot did not possess a current FAA medical certificate. The pilot thought the airplane operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 103 as an ultralight, however the airplane carried more than one person.