Tetrault Ronad Team Mini Max 1500R

Full Narrative

On September 7, 2008, about 1700 eastern daylight time, an amateur-built Team Mini Max 1500R, N43436, experienced a total loss of engine power and made a forced landing on a beach near Berkley, Massachusetts. The certificated private pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces. The flight was operated as a personal flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. Visual flight rules (VFR) conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

The pilot was also the owner/builder of the airplane. He stated that he was on a local flight at 1,000 feet above ground level, when he experienced a loss of engine power. He said that he executed an emergency landing on a beach; however, during the emergency landing the right wing impacted the ground and buckled.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the right wing was buckled. Further examination revealed that 4 gallons of fuel remained in the header tank and 1 gallon was in the aft tank. The airplane was released to the pilot for further examination of the engine. The pilot stated that during the examination of the Rotax 447 engine, he found large amounts of carbon build-up on the rings. Additionally, the cylinder walls were scored. Valve train continuity could not be established due to the carbon build up. No other mechanical anomalies were noted by the pilot.