GARRAMONE MIKE A VIXEN

Full Narrative

On July 17, 2014, about 0815 mountain daylight time, an amateur-built, experimental Garramone Vixen (Kitfox Series 5) airplane, N153PR, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Columbus, New Mexico. The pilot reported no injuries; the passenger was seriously injured. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight originated from the First Aero Squadron Airpark (NM09), Columbus, New Mexico, about 0800.The pilot stated the engine start and runup were normal. However, shortly after takeoff, about one mile from the airport, the engine began to run rough for a few seconds and then smoothed out. After a few more seconds, the engine began to run rough again before it lost power completely. The pilot noted that due to the low altitude at the time of the loss of power, he was unable to troubleshoot the problem. The pilot executed a forced landing to a pasture. The ground was "extremely rough" and the nose landing gear collapsed during the landing rollout. The airplane subsequently nosed over.

A postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. Internal engine continuity was confirmed through crankshaft rotation. Compression was detected at all cylinders. The engine appeared intact, with the exception of the right carburetor which was displaced upward; displacement of the right carburetor appeared consistent with the impact sequence. The pilot noted prior issues with cracking of the carburetor mounting flange assembly. However, examination of the flange installed at the time of the accident flight did not reveal any anomalies. The propeller assembly remained attached to the engine; although, the propeller blades were damaged consistent with the nose over event. The fuel tank appeared intact and contained fuel.

At the time of the accident, the airframe and engine had accumulated 1,149.3 hours and 612 hours recording tachometer time, respectively. Maintenance records indicated a condition inspection was completed on June 10, 2014, at 1,145.7 hours recording tachometer time. The right carburetor mounting flange was replaced 6 days after the condition inspection, at 1,146.9 hours tachometer time, because it was observed to be cracked.