Incident Overview
A homebuilt airplane experienced an engine anomaly during its first flight, which occurred the day after its certification. While returning from the maiden flight, approximately 10 nautical miles from the departure airport at an altitude of about 1,200 feet mean sea level, the pilot engaged the electric fuel pump in preparation for landing. This action caused the engine to run roughly. When the pilot deactivated the fuel pump, the engine operation smoothed out. With the pump on, the pilot found that leaning the mixture could achieve smooth running. After attempting various combinations of fuel pump and mixture settings, the pilot believed the engine was operating normally and planned a tight pattern with a high-speed approach, setting the mixture to full rich and the fuel pump off.
Power Loss and Forced Landing
While on the base leg of the approach, at approximately 600 feet above ground level, the aircraft appeared to be descending faster than anticipated. The pilot attempted to add power but found the engine was unresponsive and producing no thrust; the propeller was merely windmilling. The pilot performed a quick restart procedure, but the engine did not recover. At around 400 feet AGL, the pilot declared an emergency and initiated a forced landing toward a nearby trailer park. The airplane touched down between two rows of trailers. During the landing roll, the right wing struck a tree. The aircraft came to rest upright, with the left wing against a house trailer.
Investigation Findings
The investigation could not determine the reason for the loss of engine power. No further details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, number of occupants, injuries, or extent of damage beyond the wing strike and contact with the trailer.
Conclusion
The cause of the engine power loss remains unidentified.