NTSB Factual Report

On April 16, 2002, about 1400 central daylight time, an amateur-built Long FEW TF-51, N51HL, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after a loss of engine power while in cruise flight near Summersville, Missouri. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not on a flight plan and was operating in visual meteorological conditions. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The flight originated from the Rogers Municipal-Carter Field Airport about 1200. The intended destination of the flight was the Mount Vernon Airport, Mount Vernon, Illinois.

The pilot stated that 1.5 hours into his flight the engine, "...developed a slight miss." The pilot started a diversion to the Mountain View Airport, Mountain View, Missouri, the nearest airport to his location. Five minutes later the engine suffered a total loss of engine power. The pilot selected a landing zone for the forced landing but the airplane landed short of the intended landing area. The airplane sustained damage due to impact with trees and what the pilot stated as a, "...rough off airport landing."

The Federal Aviation Administration conducted a postaccident examination of the airplane. No anomalies were found with respect to the airframe, engine, or systems that could be identified as existing prior to impact.

NTSB Probable Cause

The unsuitable terrain encountered during the power off landing. The loss of engine power for unknown reasons was a contributing factor.