NTSB Factual Report

On March 22, 2012, about 1600 mountain daylight time, an amateur-built Gerner WE-1 (Evans Volksplane), N5936, experienced a loss of engine power after takeoff and executed a forced landing. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing during the forced landing. The aircraft was registered to and operated by the private pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that the airplane's engine lost power about 50 feet above the ground after takeoff. He attempted to return to the airport but impacted the ground causing extensive damage to the airplane.

The airplane was powered by a converted Volkswagen automobile engine. The engine used a Harley Davidson motorcycle carburetor and did not have provisions for carburetor heat.

The temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were 17 degrees Celsius and 0 degrees Celsius. According to Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, these measurements indicated that the airplane was operating in a region conducive for the formation of carburetor ice during glide or cruise power settings.

The accident was not reported to the Federal Aviation Administration or the NTSB until approximately three weeks after the accident had occurred. As a result, no on-scene examination of the airplane was performed. The pilot indicated that he would examine the airplane and was asked to provide any evidence that would explain the loss of engine power. As of the completion of this report, he had not provided any additional information.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident examination of the airplane and engine was not performed.