FTW99LA115

The homebuilt experimental airplane impacted trees during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The airplane was turning to final approach to a private grass airstrip, when the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to avoid a residential area and flew towards an open area. During the approach, the airplane clipped a pecan tree resulting in the aircraft spinning around and impacting the ground. The FAA inspector, who visited the accident site, and the co-owner/repairman examined the Rotax engine. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

On April 11, 1999, at 1530 central daylight time, a Davis/Cleaver Renegade 2 homebuilt experimental airplane, N2186B, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Port Allen, Louisiana. The private pilot, sole occupant, received minor injuries. The pilot and another private individual were the builders and owners of the biplane. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 local personal flight, which originated 30 minutes prior to the accident.

According to the pilot, the airplane was turning to final approach for a private grass strip, when the engine lost power. The pilot tried to avoid a residential area by flying toward an open area along the final approach path. During the approach, the biplane clipped a pecan tree resulting in the aircraft spinning around and impacting the ground in a nose low attitude. Witnesses to the accident helped the pilot out of the rear seat of the tandem-seat airplane.

According to an FAA inspector, the engine, forward of the firewall, was buried in the ground. The front cockpit area was "heavily" damaged. The left wings were crushed aft approximately 12 inches, and the right wings sustained little damage. The FAA inspector confirmed flight control continuity at the accident site along with the presence of fuel in the tanks.

The other owner of the experimental airplane, who was also the designated repairman for the aircraft, stated that he could not find any problems with the Rotax engine after the accident. The carburetor was destroyed, making it impossible to examine. He had flown the airplane 20 minutes prior to the accident flight and did not note any problems. The repairman completed a condition inspection of the airplane on April 1, 1999.