CHI93DEP04

The homebuilt airplane sustained a loss of engine power during a climb after departure. The pilot conducted a forced landing in a crop field where the airplane was damaged during the landing. A post accident examination of the airplane failed to reveal any pre-existing anomalies which would have contributed to the loss of engine power.

History of flight

On August 21, 1993, at 1545 central daylight time (CDT), a Ronald H. Jordi Challenger II, N771RH, made a forced landing in a corn field while climbing out from a private landing strip near Plymouth, Wisconsin. The pilot stated he experienced a loss of engine power during the initial takeoff climb. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The aircraft was being operated on a pleasure flight under 14 CFR Part 91 when the accident occurred. The flight departed from the private strip near Plymouth, Wisconsin at approximately 1540 CDT en route to New Holstein, Wisconsin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed.

Injuries to persons

Sheboygan County Sheriff's Department reports indicate that the pilot's only injury was a cut to his left eye lid. The pilot refused medical treatment and transport. The only passenger on board the aircraft had no apparent injuries.

Other damage

The crash site was located on private property in a corn field. The aircraft started striking the corn approximately 60 feet from its final resting place. The damage was to the immediate area where the aircraft came to rest and to the tops of the corn as the aircraft settled into the corn on its descent.

Personnel information

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with airplane ratings for airplane single engine land. The most recent third class medical certificate was issued to the pilot on May 12, 1992 and contained no limitations.

According to the pilot's NTSB Form 6120.1/2 his total aeronautical experience consisted of about 97 hours of which about 19 hours were accrued in the Challenger. In the preceding 90 and 30 days prior to the accident, the pilot's report indicated a total of 7.8 and 2.0 hours respectively flown in the Challenger.

Aircraft information

The aircraft, a home built Ronald H. Jordi Challenger II, serial number CH20487B0246 had accumulated a total time in service of 431 hours. Examination of the maintenance records revealed that the most recent condition inspection was accomplished on May 5, 1992, 31.5 hours prior to the accident.

A Bombardier Rotax 503 engine, serial number 3682862 was installed in the airframe and had accrued a total time in service of 431 hours. According to NTSB Form 6120.1/2 the engine had 31.5 hours since the last inspection.

According to NTSB Form 6120.1/2 the aircraft had 10 gallons of gas/oil mix on board at the last takeoff.

Meteorological information

Weather information was provided by the pilot. Observations taken by him prior to takeoff were as follows:

sky - scattered clouds visibility - 10 sm temperature - 75 degrees fahrenheit dew point - unknown wind direction - easterly wind speed - 10 kts. altimeter - 30.10

Wreckage and impact information

The accident site was in a corn field, east of CTH P, south of Branch Road. The plane started striking corn approximately 60 feet from its final resting place. The area where the aircraft came to rest had corn growing approximately 6 to 6 1/2 feet high. The field was flat.

The nose and left main landing gear were torn from their attach points. The right main landing gear was also damaged but remained attached to the fuselage. The support structure for the left horizontal stabilizer was bent. The secondary structural tubing in the forward/center cabin area was bent. The wreckage was contained in the impact area and the aircraft remained intact.

Post accident examination revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction with the engine.