Accident Details
On October 17, 2024, at 1515 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Zenith Zodiac 601HDS airplane, registration N511JG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Altoona, Pennsylvania. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight and Engine Failure
According to the private pilot, no irregularities were noted during the preflight inspection, engine run-up, or taxi before departing from runway 3 at Altoona/Blair County Airport (AOO). The pilot intended to remain in the airport traffic pattern. During the initial climb, when the airplane reached approximately 300 ft above ground level, the engine began to "misfire" and then immediately stopped producing power. Unable to troubleshoot due to the low altitude, the pilot lowered the nose and attempted a forced landing on the remaining runway.
Impact and Damage
The airplane landed hard, causing the landing gear to collapse. This resulted in buckling of the wings and airframe. The airplane then skidded to a stop on the side of the runway.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed signatures on the propeller consistent with a lack of rotation during the impact; the engine was intact. Engine crankshaft and valvetrain continuity was established, and compression was attained on each cylinder. Both magnetos produced spark at each of the posts. A subsequent examination of the fuel system found 10 gallons of fuel on board. Additionally, the fuel gascolator was installed partially outside the engine compartment, exposing it to the air slipstream. The gascolator exhibited features consistent with a fuel leak. The gascolator bowl was not completely secure to the upper portion; it would leak fuel when lightly touched by hand. When opened, the gasket at the top of the bowl was found to be stiff and cracked.
Maintenance History
A review of maintenance records indicated that an annual condition inspection had been completed about 10 days before the accident. The logbook entry did not document any maintenance or inspection specifically to the gascolator, but the fuel system inspection was documented and tested, yielding no leaks.