Accident Details
On August 4, 2023, about 1030 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Challenger II, registration N906WV, was substantially damaged during an accident in Port Orange, Florida. The pilot sustained serious injuries and the passenger incurred minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
The airplane departed Spruce Creek Fly-In (7FL6), Port Orange, Florida, destined for Deland Municipal Airport (DED) in DeLand, Florida. Shortly after departure, when the airplane reached about 900 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot established best glide speed and attempted to restart the engine several times, but it did not regain power. The pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane impacted a tree and terrain.
Wreckage Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage at the accident site. The wreckage came to rest inverted in a residential area about 2 miles from 7FL6. The fuselage and wings sustained substantial damage.
Engine Examination
Postaccident examination of the two-cylinder, two-stroke engine revealed that the PTO cylinder displayed significant scoring along the cylinder walls, consistent with an out-of-temperature seize condition. The coolant pump, radiator, and coolant hoses showed no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation of the coolant system. The radiator was equipped with adjustable louvers to change the amount of cooling air flowing through the radiator fins; these louvers were noted to be near the fully closed position. The magneto cylinder and the rest of the engine displayed normal operating signatures.
Airframe Examination
Examination of the airframe revealed no anomalies or mechanical failures that would have precluded normal operation.