IAD05LA070

Following a recent overhaul of the Ford Model A engine, the pilot ran the engine on the ground for about 24 hours. On the day of the accident, the pilot test ran the engine for about 1 hour, and then performed several high-speed taxis down the runway, during which he noted no engine problems. He subsequently elected to take off. During the initial climb, he noticed that the engine coolant temperature had risen significantly, and shortly thereafter the engine began to lose power. The pilot determined that the airplane would not reach the runway due to obstructions, and elected to land the airplane in a field. During the landing on the soft, wet field the landing gear collapsed. Post accident inspection of the engine revealed no anomalies.

On May 27, 2005, about 1915 eastern daylight time, an amateur-built Sky Scout, N314ES, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Round Lake Airport (W57), Round Lake, New York. The certificated commercial pilot received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight, which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In a written statement, and during a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he was in the process of purchasing the amateur-built airplane from its previous owner, who was also the builder. The airplane's engine had recently been overhauled by an automotive engine overhaul facility specializing in antique Ford engines. Following the overhaul, the engine was run by the pilot, on the ground, for about 24 hours.

Prior to the accident flight, the pilot ran the airplane's engine for about 1 hour. The engine "checked out ok," so he then performed several high-speed taxis down the length of the turf runway, with no engine problems noted. He then increased the throttle to full power, and departed from runway 32. Upon reaching the end of the runway, he turned the airplane right, then began a "slow," straight ahead climb.

Just prior to turning onto the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the pilot noted that the engine coolant temperature had reached 200 degrees Fahrenheit, when it had been 150 degrees Fahrenheit during the takeoff. While on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine made a sound described by the pilot as a "whoose," and began to lose power.

The pilot decided that due to the trees and power lines between his position and the runway, he would land the airplane in a soft, wet field, adjacent to the airport. During the landing roll, the landing gear collapsed causing substantial damage to both wooden wing spars.

On June 6, 2005 a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector conducted a teardown inspection of the "Ford Model A" engine. No anomalies were noted.

The weather reported at Schenectady County Airport (SCH), Schenectady, New York, located 8 nautical miles southwest, at 1945, included calm winds, and clear skies below 12,000 feet.