Accident Details
On September 1, 2021, at about 1700 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Challenger II, registration N1225G, was substantially damaged when it collided with a shed near Geneva, Alabama. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he adjusted the carburetors on the airplane before departure. He then took off and remained in the airport traffic pattern. While approaching to land, he reduced power while turning onto the base leg. As he turned onto the final leg, he attempted to increase power, but the engine stopped. He made several attempts to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. The airplane lost altitude and struck the roof of a shed.
Postaccident Examination
During the postaccident examination, the engine was inspected using a borescope, and all four spark plugs were removed. No anomalies were found inside the engine’s cylinders. The carburetors were removed and examined; both were determined to be in good operating order. A small cut was discovered on the fuel line where a clamp secured the line to the front carburetor, though no leak was observed at the time of examination. The rubber boot connecting the front carburetor to the manifold was found to be dry rotted. The engine was subsequently removed and installed on another airframe for a test run. The engine started and completed a successful test run with no anomalies noted.