Accident Overview
On April 19, 2025, at approximately 1106 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur-built D'Apuzzo Senior Aero Sport, registration N321WC, was substantially damaged in an accident near Phoenix, Arizona. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported completing a thorough preflight inspection and adding fuel to the main saddle tanks before departure. The airplane departed runway 7R at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport with the intention of remaining in the airport traffic pattern to "exercise the airplane." During an approach for a third touch-and-go takeoff and landing, the pilot initiated a go-around at the direction of the air traffic control tower controller.
While turning onto the downwind leg for runway 7R at about 1,000 feet above ground level (agl), the engine rpm surged multiple times, followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot activated the electric fuel boost pump on both high and low speed settings and cycled the throttle and mixture lever settings, but the engine did not restart.
At approximately 700 feet agl, the pilot turned toward the airport and declared an emergency. The tower controller immediately cleared the pilot to land on runway 25R. However, realizing he would be unable to reach the airport, the pilot initiated a forced landing onto a road. During the off-airport landing, the pilot maneuvered to avoid a vehicle, and the airplane subsequently impacted a carport roof. The airplane came to rest nose down in a parking lot.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination revealed that both lower wings were substantially damaged. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.