NTSB Factual Report

On October 21, 2006, approximately 1630 central daylight time, a single-engine Taylor Zodiac 601 experimental airplane, N143DT, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a reported loss of engine power shortly after take-off from the San Geronimo Airpark (8T8), near San Antonio, Texas. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the mishap.

The 1,900-hour private pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Airplane Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1), that immediately after take-off and at approximately 300 feet, "the engine died."

According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, the airplane sustained structural damage during the forced landing. The inspector also noted that fuel was present in the airplane's fuel tanks.

An engine inspection was conducted on March 28, 2007. Two of the three wooden propeller blades were found broken off. However, the engine itself did not sustain any damage. A thumb compression test was conducted on each cylinder, fuel was present in both carburetor bowls, and the electric fuel pump operated and displaced fuel. The engine's electric starter was used to rotate the engine, and ignition spark was observed on each top cylinder sparkplug. No abnormalities were found with the engine that could have prevented normal engine operation. The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.

Additionally, an inspection of the airplane's cockpit revealed the absence of labeling or markings for the fuel shutoff valve or the row of assorted electrical fuses.

At 1655, the automated weather observation system at SKF, located approximately 15 miles southeast of the accident site, reported variable winds at 3 knots, 7 miles visibility, few clouds at 3,600 feet, temperature 82 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 29.83 inches of Mercury.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.