WPR22LA133

The pilot reported that, after takeoff and about 500 ft above ground level, the engine lost total power and he chose to land on the open desert terrain. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with vegetation and the landing gear separated, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage undercarriage. Examination of the airplane revealed that the air intake duct between the air filter box and the carburetor was damaged during the accident sequence and partially separated from the airplane. The ducting was Sceet tubing that comprised wire coil encased between an inner and outer silicone-impregnated layer. The Sceet tubing was disassembled and exhibited debonding of the inner and outer layers. Oil and debris that was not consistent with the accident sequence were present in the debonded area. It is likely that the loss of engine power was due to the separation of the Sceet tubing inner layer, which then restricted airflow to the carburetor.

On March 26, 2022, about 1200 Pacific daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built VariEze, N88KL, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mojave, California. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the pilot-rated passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he departed from runway 26, and turned left to the south. About 500 ft above ground level (agl), the engine lost total power. As the pilot continued the left turn back toward the airport, he realized that the airplane would not reach the runway and he chose to land in open desert terrain. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with vegetation and the landing gear separated, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage undercarriage. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the air intake duct between the air filter box and the carburetor was damaged during the accident sequence and partially separated from the airplane. The ducting was about 2 inches in diameter and consistent with Sceet tubing with both an inner and outer silicone-impregnated cloth with a wire coil between the layers. The Sceet tubing was disassembled and exhibited debonding of the inner and outer layer. Oil and debris that was not consistent with the accident sequence was present between the debonded area. The separation of the inner layer was consistent with unsupported areas during a negative pressure flow during engine operation.