SEA96LA078

The non-certificated pilot, who was flying an unregistered homebuilt aircraft, experienced a complete power loss during the climb after departure. He successfully maneuvered the aircraft to an open field for an emergency landing; however, as he began the landing flare, he allowed the airspeed to get low. The aircraft then stall/mushed into the terrain with enough force to result in substantial damage to the airframe. After the accident, no reason for the power loss could be found, and the engine operated successfully during a test run. The aircraft was similar to an ultralight, but its empty weight and fuel capacity exceeded the limits for it to be classified as an ultralight.

On April 6, 1996, approximately 1310 Pacific standard time, an unregistered Sport Flight Talon experienced a hard landing during an attempted emergency landing near Salem, Oregon. The uncertified pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot had just departed Finlay Field, with the intention of flying in the local area, when the accident occurred. No flight plan had been filed, and the aircraft was not equipped with an ELT.

According to the pilot, he was climbing to pattern altitude after takeoff when the aircraft experienced a total power loss. He was able to maneuver the aircraft to an open field for an emergency landing , but allowed the airspeed to get low just as he began the landing flare, resulting in a stall/mush into the terrain. According to the pilot, he "...got behind the aircraft..." just as he was beginning the flare. During the stall/mush, the aircraft impacted the terrain with sufficient force to sustain substantial damage to the airframe.

After the accident, an FAA Airworthiness Inspector and the pilot inspected the engine, but could find no reason for the loss of power. After the inspection, the engine was started and successfully test run.

Although the pilot referred to the aircraft as an ultralight, according to the FAA, its empty weight was 317 pounds and it held 16 gallons of fuel. Repeated attempts to acquire a completed NTSB Form 6120.1/2 from the pilot were unsuccessful.