Amateur/Home Built/Experimental
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 5000; Flight Crew Type 15
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft
The aircraft had just returned from another flight roughly 15 minutes prior. The pilot contacted Ground Control and permission was granted to taxi to the runway run-up area. Thereafter the pilot performed a takeoff check and the Tower gave clearance for departure. After completing a pre-departure final check; the pilot pushed the throttle to full power and the aircraft accelerated normally down the runway. The aircraft rotated and began to climb out. At roughly 50 feet altitude the pilot heard a change in the sound of the engine's power; and aircraft immediately began losing power and began sputtering. The pilot [tried] all potential available fixes; however the engine continued to falter. The aircraft was leveled off in an attempt to maintain airspeed and the throttle was cycled without result. The pilot determined that there was not sufficient runway left to land and come to a complete stop before the perimeter fence. The engine continued to falter and the pilot set the throttle to idle in preparation for setting the aircraft down in the nearest even area past the end of the runway. When the main gear touched down the pilot engaged the brakes. The aircraft's nose dug in and ultimately the nose gear collapsed. After the aircraft came to a stop the pilot immediately shut off the fuel pump; fuel selector valve; mags and master switch before exiting the aircraft. The pilot then contacted airport operations by cell phone.
Pilot of a single engine retractable aircraft experiences an engine failure shortly after takeoff and lands in an open area off the end of the runway. The nose gear collapses during the landing roll.