Accident Overview
On September 1, 2023, at 0910 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Challenger II, registration N2480Y, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Moultonborough, New Hampshire. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The aircraft was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, the engine produced full power without anomalies during takeoff and initial climb. While still in the climb, the engine gradually sustained a total loss of power. The pilot attempted two engine restarts, both unsuccessful. Subsequently, the pilot performed a forced landing in a field, which resulted in substantial damage to both the left and right wing struts.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the two-cylinder, two-stroke engine revealed the following: The airplane contained between 7 and 10 gallons of fuel with no contamination. All ignition leads showed evidence of spark, and all four spark plugs were gapped within recommended specifications. The engine’s crankshaft rotated without discrepancies when force was applied to the propeller. The engine had adequate oil. Cylinder compression checks indicated that the cylinder closest to the magneto had no compression. A fuel line leading to that cylinder was found with a zip-tie secured around it, which reduced the interior circumference of the fuel line.
Maintenance Records
According to the airplane’s maintenance logbooks, the fuel lines were installed in March 2013 and last inspected in June 2019. A condition inspection of the engine was completed in June 2023, with a total time of 564.7 hours. It is unknown when the zip-tie was placed around the fuel line.