CHI94LA302

The pilot stated the homebuilt airplane was climbing through about 300 feet above ground level after takeoff when the drive belt from the engine to the propeller broke. During the ensuing forced landing, the airplane struck a pole and powerlines, then fell to the ground. The airplane had 185 hours total flight time.

On August 26, 1994, about 1920 central daylight time, a Frith Challenger II, N7051P, piloted by the owner/builder, experienced a loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff from a private airstrip in Fairfield, Iowa. The homebuilt airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck a pole and powerlines during the ensuing forced landing. The private pilot received minor injuries, and the one passenger on board the airplane reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from the private grass strip approximately 1918 with an intended destination of the Fairfield Municipal Airport, in Fairfield, Iowa.

The pilot stated the airplane was climbing through about 300 feet above ground level (AGL) after takeoff when "...the drive belt from the engine to the propeller broke... ." The pilot attempted to return to the private airstrip for a forced landing, but the airplane struck a pole and powerlines, and impacted the ground short of the runway.

Postaccident investigation revealed the drive belt had separated. The drive belt was not located during the investigation. The airplane was originally certificated in February, 1989, and had 185 hours total flight time. The pilot submitted a brief written statement to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA.) Despite numerous attempts to obtain a completed NTSB Form 6120.1/2 from the pilot, this office did not receive the completed Form.