Accident Details
On May 21, 2018, about 1915 central daylight time, an M-Squared Sprint 1000 light-sport airplane, registration N138ZX, was substantially damaged in an accident near Gurdon, Arkansas. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that the airplane had just departed from runway 26 at Gurdon Lowe Field. When the airplane reached about 800 ft above ground level (agl), "the engine suddenly stopped." As the pilot looked for a suitable landing site, the "engine seized up," and the airplane began to descend rapidly. The pilot deployed the airplane's ballistic parachute at about 200 ft agl. The airplane then descended and landed hard in a residential area, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot recalled that during the takeoff and climb, there were no unusual indications from the instruments nor any unusual sounds from the engine.
Engine Examination
The engine was examined by the FAA inspector with technical assistance from the engine manufacturer. Examination revealed that the top of the MAG piston ring had failed, resulting in damage to the MAG piston and cylinder walls. Additionally, vertical scoring was noted on the PTO cylinder, and significant vertical scoring on the MAG cylinder. Both rubber PTO and MAG carburetor intake sockets were found to be worn and cracked.
Maintenance History
Complete engine records were not available, and there was no record showing that the engine had been overhauled during its 23 years of operation. The manufacturer recommends an engine overhaul be performed every 300 hours or 5 years, whichever occurs first. The rubber carburetor intake sockets should be replaced every 5 years or when signatures of deterioration are detected.