Accident Overview
On July 19, 2014, at approximately 1030 central daylight time, an Evektor-Aerotechnik Sport Star, registration N636EV, was involved in a forced landing in a mesquite field near Wichita Falls, Texas. The aircraft had departed from Kickapoo Airport (KCWC) at about 1000 for a local instructional flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The aircraft was registered to and operated by a partnership. Visual meteorological conditions were present, and no flight plan had been filed.
Flight Details
The pilot and a flight instructor were onboard. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the airplane's insurance policy required pilots to have at least 3 hours in the airplane for coverage. The pilot was flying with an instructor to satisfy this requirement. The pair were performing touch-and-go landings in the traffic pattern. After the third takeoff and during the initial climb, the engine began to lose power.
Forced Landing
The instructor reported that the airplane was at 55 knots and approximately 200 feet above ground level when the power loss occurred, with insufficient runway remaining to land. With the engine still partially running, the instructor attempted to maintain level flight and return to the airport. However, power continued to diminish until level flight could no longer be sustained. The instructor executed a forced landing in the nearest field, during which the aircraft collided with mesquite trees.
Post-Accident Examination
The aircraft was transported to Air Salvage of Dallas (ASOD) in Lancaster, Texas. On August 26, the engine underwent a functional test under the supervision of an FAA inspector, during which it operated normally.
Damage and Injuries
The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot and flight instructor were not injured.