WPR18LA204

The pilot noted no anomalies during the preflight, engine start, or runup inspections. However, shortly after takeoff, while on the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine lost power and the propeller stopped turning. The pilot prepared for a forced landing to a clearing and deployed the airplane’s parachute system. The airplane impacted a tree just prior to landing. A visual examination of the engine at the accident site revealed no obvious holes in the engine case, and fuel was observed leaking from the fuel pump and fuel filter. Further examination of the fuel pump and fuel filter revealed no mechanical anomalies. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

On July 19, 2018, about 1420 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Moyes/Bailey Microlites PTYLTD Dragonfly B Model airplane, N7008Z, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Buckley, Washington. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he performed a preflight inspection and confirmed the fuel tanks were full of fuel. No anomalies were noted as he performed the engine start, taxi, or runup. The pilot departed to the north and after turning onto the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern, the engine “seized,” and the propeller stopped turning. The pilot prepared for a forced landing to a clearing, and he deployed the airplane’s parachute system. The airplane impacted a tree just prior to landing. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors responded to the accident site and reported that the parachute had been deployed. The airplane sustained damage throughout the frame. The engine was visually examined, and no obvious holes in the engine case were observed. Fuel was observed leaking from the fuel pump and fuel filter. The fuel pump and fuel filter were removed and further examined. No mechanical anomalies were identified during the examination.