SEA93LA134

During the initial climbout on the experimental aircraft's maiden flight, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing straight ahead into tall grass during which the aircraft ground looped to a stop. A witness to the accident reported assisting the pilot in securing and exiting the aircraft immediately following the crash. Additionally, the witness stated that the electric boost pump switch was in the 'off' position and that 'the pilot indicated to me that he had forgotten to turn it on before the takeoff.'

On June 18, 1993, at approximately 0705 hours Pacific daylight time (PDT), an experimental Romig Frontrunner FR-1, N876FR, registered to and being flown by Francis A. Romig, a certificated private pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of power immediately after takeoff from runway 34 at the Independence State Airport, Independence, Oregon. The pilot suffered minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal in nature and the first flight subsequent to the aircraft's completed construction, was to have been in accordance with the requirements set forth in 14CFR91.

The pilot reported that with 10.5 gallons of fuel aboard, he taxied out, completed an engine run up and then departed on the first test flight of his recently completed aircraft. While climbing out at full throttle he experienced a total loss of engine power and executed a forced landing straight ahead into tall grass.

Pilot Romig reported that "construction plans for the aircraft do not include (the) fuel system" and that the builder must design the fuel system. An electric fuel boost pump had been added to the designed gravity feed system by the pilot.

Mr. Donald Thomson, the operator of the airport and the local fixed base operator witnessed the accident. He reported observing the aircraft climb to an altitude of approximately 200 to 250 feet above ground at which time "heard the engine slow and stop."

Mr. Thomson observed the aircraft execute a forced landing straight ahead into 5 foot high grass. The aircraft touched down in a tail low attitude and then pitched forward, ground looping several times and coming to rest on its landing gear.

Mr. Thomson proceeded to the accident site and assisted pilot Romig during which time he observed the pilot shut off the magnetos and master switch. Mr. Thomson reported shutting off the fuel selector. He further stated that I observed that the electric fuel boost pump switch was already in the "off" position." and that "The pilot indicated to me that he had forgotten to turn it on before the takeoff."