NTSB Factual Report

On July 2, 2000, approximately 1935 mountain daylight time, a Rowley P-40F experimental amateur-built (one of a kind) airplane, N42915, was destroyed following impact with terrain during a forced landing at Meadow Lake Airport, Peyton, Colorado. The private pilot, the sole occupant aboard the airplane, was fatally injured. He died on July 4, 2000. The pilot designed, built, and operated the airplane. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 local flight that originated from Meadow Lake Airport at an unknown time. No flight plan had been filed.

Witnesses said that the pilot was performing a low fly-by over runway 33, and as the airplane reached the departure end, the engine became quiet. They said that the pilot made a left turn back towards runway 15. Subsequently the airplane hit wires, impacted terrain, cart wheeled, and came to rest against a transmission pole.

The pilot designed and built the airplane in 1986. The pilot modified the airframe and replaced the engine at some unknown time. Friends and mechanics at the airport said that the pilot worked on the airplane regularly. The airplane was powered by an AMW Cuyuna 808L-100, three cylinder, reed valve, fuel injected, water-cooled, two cycle engine which had a maximum takeoff rating of 100 horsepower at sea level. During maximum power output, it produced 8,000 to 9,000 RPM, this required a gear reduction system for normal propeller operation.

Postaccident examination of the engine and its reduction gear assembly by a mechanic revealed that the gear reduction system had failed.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate decision to turn back (low altitude) towards the runway for a forced landing. A contributing factor was the total loss of engine power due to a reduction gear failure.