Accident Details
On September 20, 2008, at approximately 0855 eastern daylight time, an amateur-built Kolb Mark III, registration N350RB, operated as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91, collided with trees while maneuvering following a total loss of engine power. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff from Goodspeed Airport (42B) in East Haddam, Connecticut. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot and one passenger reported serious injuries.
Pilot Actions
The pilot stated he conducted a preflight inspection and engine run-up before departure. He added 1.5 to 2 gallons of automotive gasoline to the fuel tank but did not stick the fuel tanks or check for water contamination. No other anomalies were noted during the preflight. After turning on the boost pump, he departed from runway 14. During initial climb at about 300 feet, the engine sputtered and quit. The pilot immediately turned right to return to the airport. He did not activate the ballistic parachute because he believed the airplane was too low. He avoided landing straight ahead into a swamp due to fear of injury and drowning without flotation devices. The airplane collided with trees and came to rest inverted on the ground.
Examination Findings
Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed structural damage to the airframe. The two fuel tanks were not ruptured and the fuel caps had tight seals. The airplane is not equipped with fuel sump drains. All fuel lines were intact and correctly routed. Fluid drained from the fuel lines contained water. The carburetor bowls also contained water. No contaminants were found in the fuel filters, but some sediment was present in the fuel tanks. The spark plugs were removed and the propeller turned by hand; compression and suction were available on all cylinders, and engine continuity was confirmed from the forward section to the accessory case. Fire department personnel reported they did not use water on the airplane initially, but later returned to foam the aircraft and surrounding area due to fuel leakage.