NTSB Factual Report

On July 2, 2017, about 1430 central daylight time, an Cody Hawkins JA30 SuperSTOL airplane, N2463H, collided with trees and terrain near Ponca City, OK. The private rated pilot and passenger were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The local flight was departing from a private field at the time of the accident.

According to information provided by the pilot, during the initial climb, the airplane's performance felt sluggish. The pilot added that the airplane started to lose lift, so the he reduced back stick pressure. The pilot maneuvered around trees and descended into terrain. The airplane's landing gear was side-loaded during the landing and collapsed. The airplane then slid to a stop. Substantial damage was sustained to the fuselage and wings.

The Rotax 914 UL2-01 engine was transported to a repair facility to be returned to service. The mechanic reported that when he functionally tested the engine, it run "rough." Further inspection of the engine found a fouled fuel jet and contaminants in the carburetors. The source of the contaminants could not be determined. After the cleaning the carburetors and replacing the idle jet, the engine produced normal power.

NTSB Probable Cause

Contamination of the fuel system, resulting in a partial loss of engine power and subsequent off-airport landing.