Accident Details
On April 11, 2009, at approximately 1720 central daylight time, a Diamond DA 20-C1, registration N964CT, was substantially damaged following a forced landing at Bomar Field (SYI), Shelbyville, Tennessee. The aircraft was owned by Wings of Eagles LLC and operated by Wings of Eagles School of Flight. The flight, a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, originated at Smyrna Airport (MQY), Smyrna, Tennessee, at 1630. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Sequence of Events
The flight instructor and student were performing stop-and-go landings on runway 36. After the fourth takeoff, at an estimated altitude of 300 to 500 feet above ground level, the engine lost power, as if "throttled back." The instructor noted reduced power with the throttle fully open. Taking control, he initiated a left turn to attempt landing on runway 18. The engine did not regain full power, and a forced landing was made on airport property short of runway 18. During touchdown, the airplane struck a drainage ditch and came to rest approximately 150 feet from the initial touchdown point.
Wreckage Examination
The airplane came to rest in a grass field at a 10-degree nose-down attitude. The nose gear collapsed; the engine remained attached to the firewall, but the engine mount was bent left about 20 degrees. Propeller blades were broken at the roots, and rotational scoring marks were present on the ground. The empennage was severed at its midpoint. Continuity was established from cockpit to engine and flight controls. The airframe fuel screen and fuel lines were unobstructed. A fuel sample tested with water-finding paste showed no water. The electric fuel pump operated normally in both low and high positions. The maintenance fuel cutoff valve was correctly safetied and in the ON position.
Engine Test Run
The engine was shipped to Teledyne Continental Motors in Mobile, Alabama, for examination and testing under FAA oversight. External examination revealed impact damage concentrated on the lower section, with soil impacted into external surfaces. Before the test run, the exhaust tubes, ignition harness, number 2 cylinder induction tube (repaired with tape), oil sump, and number 2 cylinder rocker cover and gasket were replaced or repaired. The engine started normally on the first attempt and ran for 20 minutes at various throttle settings, including full open. Throughout the test, the engine accelerated normally without hesitation, stumbling, or interruption, and demonstrated the ability to produce rated horsepower.
Crew Information
The flight instructor held a commercial pilot certificate with airplane single- and multi-engine land ratings. According to FAA records, the student held no pilot ratings or medical certificate.
Weather Conditions
The 1656 weather observation at MQY, 27 nautical miles north of the accident site, reported surface winds from 010 degrees at 6 knots gusts to 15 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, scattered clouds at 4,700 feet, temperature 18°C, dew point 6°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.15 inches of mercury.