NTSB Factual Report

On July 14, 2001, at 1331 eastern daylight time, a LaPorte MXL II Sport, N4416Y, operated by a private pilot experienced a hard landing following a loss of engine power while maneuvering over Purdy Field, a private airstrip in Gaines Township, Michigan. The pilot was dropping candy from the airplane to a group of children on the ground. During the second drop, the candy flew back into the propeller. The airplane then descended into a field and was substantially damaged upon impacting the terrain. The pilot received serious injuries and the passenger received minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight originated from Purdy Field just prior to the accident.

The pilot was throwing candy out of the aircraft to a group of children on the ground who were attending a Michigan Ultralight Association Fly-In when the accident occurred. The pilot reported the "pusher propeller sustained serious damage due to ingested candy. Severe vibration caused by shattered propeller instantly caused separation of rear carb causing air filter to further damage propeller and killing engine due to loss of fuel."

The pilot reported the only open area for a forced landing was almost directly below the aircraft and ahead of it. The pilot reported, "From approximately 50 feet altitude and 38 mph indicated airspeed nosed plane straight down into only possible open area avoiding all spectators." The airplane impacted the terrain approximately 100 feet off the end of the runway.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's poor planning which resulted in foreign object damage to the propeller, and the low altitude at which the loss of power occurred which resulted in the pilot not being able to properly flare the airplane. Factors associated with the accident were the fractured propeller blade which resulted in vibrations and the subsequent separation of the carburetor.