Accident Overview
On April 14, 2012, at approximately 1550 central daylight time, a T Bird Golden Circle Air Inc II experimental light sport airplane, registration N5654N, conducted a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Clara City, Minnesota. The non-certificated pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight was operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight, in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan.
Preflight and Takeoff
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the accident flight was the airplane’s first flight after several months of inactivity. The pilot changed the airplane’s fuel and performed several high-speed taxis to check engine operation. Following these checks, the pilot departed from a private field.
Loss of Engine Power and Forced Landing
Shortly after departure, the airplane’s engine began to run rough and subsequently lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
Post-Accident Examination
An on-scene examination conducted by the FAA confirmed continuity to both the flight and engine controls. The examination did not detect any preimpact anomalies. A review of the carburetor icing probability chart from FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-9-35 indicated that the airplane was operating in an area conducive to serious icing at glide power at the time of the accident. However, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.