LAX00LA153

The non-certificated pilot stated that he was flying about 1,200 feet mean sea level when the engine began to run roughly, then quit altogether. He was attempting to land in a field when he observed power lines in his path. During the pull-up maneuver to avoid the wires, the airplane stalled and crashed in the field. Disassembly of the Rotax 503 engine revealed that the No. 2 piston was scored and heat discolored, and had seized in the cylinder. The airplane gross weight, number of seats, and fuel capacity exceed the limitations in 14 CFR Part 103. Review of FAA aircraft and airman records disclosed no record that the airplane had ever been registered or issued an airworthiness certificate. No record was found that the pilot had ever been issued a pilot or medical certificate. A check of FAA records in the Fresno Flight Standards District Office found no evidence that the pilot/owner of the airplane had ever been issued a waiver in accordance with 14 CFR 103.5.

On April 2, 2000, at 0818 hours Pacific daylight time, an unregistered and noncertificated Quicksilver Sprint 2 airplane collided with the ground while maneuvering for a forced landing near Fresno, California. The forced landing was precipitated by a total loss of engine power during cruise. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot, who does not hold a pilot or medical certificate. The pilot was the sole occupant of the two-place airplane and was not injured. The pilot intended the operation to be under 14 CFR Part 103; however, the airplane exceeds 254 pounds, is a two-place vehicle not intended for training, and has a fuel capacity greater than 5 gallons. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the personal cross-country flight, which originated at the Fresno Chandler airport at 0800 as a nonstop flight to Reedly, California.

The pilot stated to responding Fresno Police Department officers, and, subsequently to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors, that he was flying about 1,200 feet msl when the engine began to run roughly, then quit altogether. He was attempting to land in a field when he observed power lines in his path. During the pull-up maneuver to avoid the wires, the airplane stalled and crashed in the field.

Disassembly of the Rotax 503 engine revealed that the No. 2 piston was scored and heat discolored, and had seized in the cylinder.

Review of FAA aircraft and airman records disclosed no record that the airplane had ever been registered or issued an airworthiness certificate. No record was found that the pilot had ever been issued a pilot or medical certificate. A check of FAA records in the Fresno Flight Standards District Office found no evidence that the pilot/owner of the airplane had ever been issued a waiver in accordance with 14 CFR 103.5.