ERA11LA301

The pilot stated that after takeoff he climbed to 1,000 feet and flew along a river to his destination. The flight continued beyond his estimated time of arrival as he tried to identify landmarks. He then reduced power and looked for a suitable landing site to check the fuel because the fuel gauge indicated that between zero and 1/4 of his fuel reserves remained. He initiated an approach to a field for a precautionary landing, but noticed that it was not suitable and he began to climb out when the engine lost power. He executed a 180-degree northerly turn and lined up for a forced landing in a field with standing water. While flying at 45 to 50 knots with the first notch of flaps lowered, he noticed a power line and applied aft elevator control input to avoid it. After clearing the power line, the nose of the airplane dropped and the airplane impacted the field. The right main landing gear wheel assembly dug into soft ground, causing the right main landing gear wheel assembly to separate. Postaccident inspection of the airplane and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Six gallons of fuel were found in the fuel tank. The engine was started without a propeller installed and operated satisfactorily, but a prolonged run could not be performed due to breach of the engine coolant system. No determination could be made as to the reason for the loss of engine power.

**This report and case number were modified on 8/25/2011. Please see the docket for this accident for the original report.** On May 15, 2011, about 1230 eastern daylight time, a Leigh S6 Coyote II, N929RL, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near New Kent, Virginia. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight originated from Toddsbury Farm Airport (25VA), Aylett, Virginia and was destined for New Quarter Farm Airport (92VA), Gloucester, Virginia. The pilot stated that after takeoff, the flight climbed to 1,000 feet and he flew along the Mattonapi River to his destination. The flight continued, and he flew by pilotage past his estimated time of arrival trying to identify landmarks. He reduced power, and looked for a suitable landing place to check the fuel because the fuel gauge was bouncing between empty and 1/4 capacity. He initiated an approach to a field for a precautionary landing, but noticed it was not suitable and "slowly eased the throttle in" to climb, but the engine quit. He executed a 180 degree turn towards a northerly direction, and lined up for a forced landing in a field with standing water. While flying at 45 to 50 knots with the first notch of flaps lowered, he noticed a single phase power line associated with a house. Not wanting to hit the power line he applied aft elevator control input, cleared the power line, then the nose of the airplane dropped and the airplane impacted into the field. The right main landing gear wheel assembly dug into soft ground causing the right main landing gear wheel assembly to separate. He unfastened his restraint and evacuated the airplane. Postaccident inspection of the airplane and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. Six gallons of fuel were found in the fuel tank. The engine was started without a propeller installed and operated satisfactory but a prolonged run could not be performed due to breach of the engine coolant system. No determination could be made as to the reason for the loss of engine power.