NTSB Factual Report

On August 13, 2005, about 1520 eastern daylight time, an amateur built Nieuport 11, N9163A, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, after it experienced a loss of engine power during the initial climb after takeoff from Old Rhinebeck Airport (NY94), Rhinebeck, New York. The certificated commercial pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local personal fight, that was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The airplane was a replica of 1915 French warplane, and was equipped with a Le Rhone 80-horsepower rotary engine.

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the airplane was departing from the south runway, which was 2,200 feet long and 75 feet wide. The pilot reported that as the airplane climbed, the engine began to lose power, and he performed a forced landing to a field that was located about 150 feet beyond the departure end of the runway.

During the landing, the airplane's wings were damaged, the nose assembly buckled, and the landing gear was driven up into the fuselage.

Witnesses reported the engine sounded normal during an engine run prior to the takeoff, and during the airplane's initial climb from the runway. However, as the airplane continued to climb, the engine began to sound "weak," as if it was not producing full power.

Post accident examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector did not revel any evidence of a catastrophic engine failure. In addition, fuel samples taken from the engine did not reveal any evidence of contamination.

According to maintenance records, the airplane's most recent condition inspection was performed on July 13, 2005. At that time, the engine had been operated for about 35 hours since it was overhauled, and 180 hours total. In addition, the airplane had been operated for about 1 hour, during the 10 months prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.