NTSB Factual Report

On September 24, 2017, about 1700 central daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built Emerson Kitfox airplane, N91904, collided with terrain following a loss of engine power after takeoff from the Skydive Houston Airport (37XA), Waller, Texas. The pilot was not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to a private individual and was being operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions existed near the accident site at the time of the flight, and a flight plan had not been filed. The flight was departing 37XA on a local flight.

The pilot reported he did a preflight and engine run-up and it appeared the airplane was operating normally. He decided to takeoff and fly around the traffic pattern. The airplane climbed to 300 to 400 ft above ground level when there was a partial loss of engine power. He stated that the engine continued to operate but did not develop enough power to sustain flight. The pilot attempted to land in a field near a residential area, and the airplane impacted a fence which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot purchased the airplane in October 28, 2016, and the fuel in the airplane had not been changed since at least October 2016.

The airplane was manufactured in 2001 but had never received an airworthiness certificate. The pilot did not have a current medical certificate.

The wreckage was examined by a FAA operations inspector who performed a limited inspection of the airplane. The inspector determined there was fuel at the scene and there was no evidence of water in the fuel. No further examination into the cause of the loss of engine power was conducted.

NTSB Probable Cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.