ANDERAS TIGER MOTH R80

Full Narrative

On August 24, 2013, about 1200 central daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Anderas Tiger Moth R80 airplane, N927TM, impacted terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near New Franken, Wisconsin. The commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The airplanes fuselage and wings sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual flight rules (VFR) conditions prevailed for the flight, which did not operate on a VFR flight plan. The local flight was originating from the Nicolet Airport, near Green Bay, Wisconsin, at the time of the accident.The pilot reported that a new engine was installed on the airplane in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. He indicated that it was a Rotec R2800 engine and its serial number was 1080105. The engine was test run and taxi tests were performed. The airplane was serviced with fuel before its first local flight in the airport pattern following the new engine installation. The pilot took off and at 200 feet above ground level, the airplane lost engine power. The pilot turned the airplane to the right and selected a field to land on. The airplanes landing gear impacted tall grass and the landing gear separated from the airplane. The pilot said that the "airplane disintegrated around" him.

At 1153, the recorded weather at the Austin Straubel International Airport (GRB), near Green Bay, Wisconsin, was: Wind 190 degrees at 7 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition clear; temperature 25 degrees C; dew point 16 degrees C; altimeter 30.25 inches of mercury.

The temperature and dew point at GRB was entered on a carburetor icing probability chart and the chart revealed that the weather conditions were favorable for serious icing at glide power.

During a telephone interview, the pilot indicated that the airplane was torn down and he subsequently examined it. The fuel filters were found to be clean and an examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies.