Accident Overview
On May 9, 2010, at approximately 1000 mountain daylight time, a Jorritsma Berkut, registration N3255U, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power during initial takeoff. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant and owner-operator of the airplane, was not injured. The accident occurred near the Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport (KFNL) in Loveland, Colorado.
Flight Details
Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight, which was local and departing from KFNL.
Sequence of Events
According to a statement provided by the pilot, shortly after departing KFNL and climbing through 7,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot made a power reduction. Subsequently, a loud bang was heard and vibrations were felt by the pilot. The pilot scanned the engine instruments and determined that the engine was "rolling back" and losing power. The pilot attempted to return to the airport, but the airplane impacted terrain short of the runway. During the forced landing, the landing gear collapsed, and substantial damage was sustained to the fuselage and both wings.
Engine Examination
The engine installed on the airplane was an experimental Jorritsma T58-8F turbojet engine, based on the General Electric T58-GE-8F turboshaft design. The engine's compressor section features variable stators that are actuated by the fuel controller. An examination of the engine by the owner/manufacturer revealed that a malfunction of the fuel controller resulted in conditions conducive for compressor stalls.