Accident Details
On August 13, 2011, at approximately 1145 central daylight time, an experimental Fisher Hyster airplane, registration N7167S, was substantially damaged when it struck power lines and then the ground during a forced landing. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff from Bailes Airport (7R9) in Angleton, Texas. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
According to the registered owner, the airplane had recently been fitted with a new engine and propeller. An associate of the owner intended to test-fly the aircraft. During the initial climb after takeoff, while maneuvering, the engine power dropped to idle, forcing the pilot to attempt an emergency landing. While maneuvering toward an open field, the airplane contacted a power line, bounced hard on the ground, and came to rest inverted. The fuselage and wings were buckled, and the engine had separated from its mounts.
Aircraft Information
The Fisher Hyster is an experimental category airplane. The aircraft was registered to a private individual. At the time of the accident, the pilot was not certificated by the FAA, and the FAA could not confirm whether the pilot held a valid pilot certificate. The pilot could not be located by either the FAA or the NTSB for additional information.
Post-Accident Investigation
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage at the accident site. The fixed landing gear had apparently struck the power lines while the pilot was maneuvering for the forced landing. Inspection of the engine and carburetor revealed that the set screw securing the throttle cable to the carburetor was loose. The cable could be moved freely by hand through the carburetor arm without restriction. There was no evidence that the cable had been scored or pulled during the engine separation in the accident. No marks were found where the set screw would have been tightened on the cable. When the cable was reinserted into the carburetor arm, one full turn of the set screw was needed to make contact and secure the cable. Usable fuel was present in the aircraft, and no other anomalies were found with the engine or airframe.
The NTSB investigator-in-charge contacted the aircraft owner by telephone shortly after the accident. The owner acknowledged receipt of NTSB Form 6120 and stated he would complete and return it, but despite repeated attempts, the form was never submitted to the NTSB.