Accident Details
On March 10, 2023, at approximately 1045 mountain standard time, a Zenith Zodiac 601XL airplane, registration N969WD, was substantially damaged in an accident near Cuchara Valley Airport (07V) in La Veta, Colorado. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Pilot and Flight Information
The pilot reported that he had just purchased the airplane and was flying it to Texas. He had no prior flight time in the accident make and model. The airplane was equipped with four fuel tanks: two in each wing. The outboard tanks were empty due to weight and balance considerations, while the inboard tanks were filled before departure. The right inboard fuel tank was selected.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after takeoff from runway 24, when the airplane was about 400 to 500 feet above ground level (agl), the engine lost all power. The pilot entered a glide. When the airplane reached about 100 feet agl, it stalled and impacted the ground, coming to rest inverted. The fuselage and wings sustained substantial damage.
Witness Account
The previous owner, who had just sold the airplane to the pilot, was present at the time of the accident. He stated he did not believe the accident resulted from a loss of engine power. He reported the wind was about 35 to 40 knots with gusts and had tried to persuade the pilot to delay the flight for more favorable wind conditions. According to him, a runup was performed to 4,000 rpm, ignitions checked, and all temperatures and pressures were normal. After takeoff, when the airplane was about 400 feet agl, it appeared to be bouncing in turbulence and moving side to side, then stalled and descended to the ground. The previous owner was approximately one-quarter mile away and could not hear engine sounds due to the wind.
Postaccident Examination
The airplane remained at the accident site until a postaccident examination was conducted. This included several engine runs at idle speeds. The runs were limited to idle because the wooden propeller had splintered, and the engine was operated without a propeller installed. The examination and engine runs did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.