Accident Overview
On October 14, 2022, at approximately 1443 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur-built Quickie QII airplane, Canadian registration C-GDHK, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Laramie, Wyoming. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, shortly after departing from Laramie Regional Airport (LAR) in Laramie, Wyoming, the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power during the climb. The pilot verified that the fuel system, ignition, and carburetor heat were functioning but could not restart the engine. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot identified a highway as the safest available landing site. During the landing, the airplane bounced, veered left off the paved lane, and came to rest upright in an adjacent ditch. The right canard separated from the airframe, and the fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination of the airframe revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Flight control continuity was confirmed from all primary flight control surfaces to the cockpit controls. Additionally, throttle, mixture, and carburetor heat continuity were verified.
Engine Examination
Examination of the engine revealed that the No. 4 top spark plug insulator was cracked and the spark plug was bent approximately 10 degrees. A valvetrain continuity check showed that the No. 1 cylinder exhaust valve was lodged in the open position despite the application of moderate force. The valve stem exhibited a dark-colored deposit consistent with carbon and a slight bend. Review of the engine maintenance logbooks indicated that, about five months before the accident, new cylinder heads (including valves and valve guides) had been installed, and an annual inspection had been performed.