On July 28, 2002, a Boeing E75 (registration N1242V) was involved in an aviation accident near Leesburg, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during takeoff, resulting in the airplane colliding with the ground and nosing over during the subsequent forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During initial climb from a private airport, the engine malfunctioned, prompting an emergency landing that resulted in a cartwheel and fire, destroying the aircraft.
Accident Summary
According to a statement provided to an FAA inspector, the pilot reported that during the initial climb from a private airport, at an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the engine began to cough and sputter, and then ceased operating. The pilot then turned the airplane to the right to avoid a tree while executing an emergency landing. During this maneuver, the right wing tip and landing gear contacted the ground, causing the airplane to cartwheel. The pilot further stated that the engine then "dug in", flipping the airplane onto its back. Leaking fuel contacted the exhaust, starting a fire that destroyed the airplane.
Investigation
An FAA inspector examined the accident aircraft and stated that he could not find anything that may have caused the engine problem.