NTSB Factual Report

On July 16, 2011, at 1930 eastern daylight time, an amateur built Dixon Volksplane VP-1, N341MD, collided with a barn following a partial loss of engine power on takeoff from the Jackson County Airport (JXN), Jackson, Michigan. The pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported he was making the first flight in the airplane which was built by someone else. He stated that he inspected the airplane and paperwork, and he felt the airplane was satisfactory to fly.

The pilot was cleared for takeoff on runway 32 and the winds were calm. He stated the takeoff roll seemed sluggish, but he thought it was due to the warm outside temperature. The airplane lifted off about halfway down the 4,000 foot long runway. He stated the airplane was significantly left wing heavy, but he was able to maintain control with the application of right aileron. The airplane was out of ground effect when he reached the end of the runway at which point the airspeed and engine rpm were decreasing very slowly. The pilot made a shallow turn in an attempt to land on runway 26. The engine continued to lose power and the airplane stalled at tree top height. The left wing contacted a pole barn which spun the airplane around prior to it contacting the ground resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

The Volkswagen engine was equipped with dual carburetors and an oil cooler. The mixture control setting was preset and was not adjustable from the cockpit.

The airplane owner stated that he performed a teardown inspection on the engine following the accident and he was not able to identify any mechanical failures/malfunctions that would have resulted in the loss of engine power.

NTSB Probable Cause

A partial loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff for undetermined reasons.