MARLMAN STOL CH 801

Full Narrative

On March 14, 2009, about 1140 mountain daylight time, a single-engine Marlman STOL CH 801 airplane, N130WM, was substantially damaged during impact with the runway, following a complete loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the Fort Morgan Municipal Airport (FMM), Fort Morgan, Colorado. The private pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The 60-nautical mile cross-country flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for the Erie Municipal Airport (EIK), near Erie, Colorado.

According to the pilot, shortly after rotation and about 50-feet above the runway, the engine experienced a complete loss of power. The pilot pitched the airplane's nose over, but was unable to arrest the descent before impacting the runway. The airplane came to rest on the runway, in a nose down position, and both occupants were able to exit unassisted. Both wings and the fuselage sustained structural damage during the impact.

The airplane was recovered to Beegles Aircraft Services of Greeley, Colorado. An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspected the airplane and provided oversight for an engine run. To facilitate the engine run, the damaged propeller and engine oil filter was replaced with serviceable units.

According to the inspector, the engine was started and operated from idle through 2,500 rpm with no observed problems. An examination of the fuel tank, the fuel filter, and the fuel lines failed to reveal any anomalies or obstructions which would have restricted the fuel flow.

The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined