NTSB Factual Report

On November 25, 2017, about 1515 Pacific standard time, a Doshier Wilbert (Quicksilver) GT-500, N599RA, was substantially damaged during forced landing following a loss of engine power at Willows-Glenn County Airport (WLW), Willows, California. The private pilot was not injured. 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. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed no flight plan had been filed.

In a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported he had departed runway 16 for a local flight. At about 70 feet above ground level, he experienced a momentary engine sputter followed by a complete loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to land straight ahead; however, he reported that it was likely he did not maintain proper airspeed which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and impact with terrain. Both fuel tanks were topped off prior to takeoff and no recent maintenance was performed on the airplane.