Accident Overview
On August 22, 2009, at approximately 1025 eastern daylight time, a Flight Design GMBH CTSW special light sport airplane, registration N535CT, operated by a private owner on a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, experienced a complete loss of engine power while in cruise flight near Okeechobee, Florida. The pilot executed a forced landing to a pasture. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, sustaining substantial damage to the airframe. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot received minor injuries. The flight had originated from Okeechobee County Airport (OBE) at 1020.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that while climbing out at an altitude of less than 1,250 feet mean sea level with full power, a grinding noise was heard, immediately followed by a total loss of engine power. Spotting a pasture ahead, the pilot headed toward it and broadcast a "MAYDAY" call on the aircraft radio. The pilot chose not to deploy the ballistic parachute, citing insufficient altitude and the presence of homes in the vicinity. During the landing flare, the airplane touched down hard in soft, sandy soil, bounced, and then touched down again. The main landing gear sank into the sand, causing the airplane to nose over inverted.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the accident site showed that the airplane initially contacted the ground on the main landing gear, rebounded into the air, struck the ground again, and traveled forward approximately 50 feet before nosing over and coming to rest on a magnetic heading of 250 degrees. The engine assembly remained attached to the airframe, and the engine cowling was intact. The spinner showed no evidence of rotation. All three propeller blades were still attached to the crankshaft flange, with one blade damaged. The nose wheel was bent aft.
The forward cabin area was damaged. The throttle was found in the closed position, the carburetor heat off, and the fuel selector valve in the off position. Continuity of the flight controls was confirmed from the cockpit to all control surfaces. The aircraft registration and special airworthiness certificate were located inside the airplane. Both landing gear remained attached to the airframe.
Both wings were attached and undamaged. Neither fuel tank was ruptured; fuel caps had tight seals. The fuel vent stand pipes were bent. No browning of vegetation was observed on the ground. The right flap and right aileron were intact and attached. The empennage aft of the cockpit was undamaged except for the top of the vertical fin, which was damaged. The rudder, horizontal stabilizers, and elevators showed no damage. The right elevator trim tab was in the neutral position.
Engine Run
The airplane was recovered to a repair facility for further examination and an engine run. Approximately 11 gallons of fuel were drained from the fuel tanks. The oil filter and fuel gascolator were inspected and found free of contamination. A replacement oil filter and the gascolator were reinstalled. The engine was mounted on a modified stand and started. It ran at idle power, then was advanced to 2,500 rpm, and subsequently to 4,000 rpm, with no anomalies noted. Power was then reduced to idle, and the engine was shut down successfully.