NTSB Factual Report

On August 8, 2001, about 1100 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Rans S-7, N56RP, was substantially damaged during a forced landing shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip in Sydnorsville, Virginia. The certificated private pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The pilot was conducting his first flight in the airplane. In a written statement, the pilot said he took off from the private airstrip, circled the area three times, and then elected to fly to the New River Valley Airport, Dublin, Virginia. As the airplane began to climb, the engine water pressure dropped to zero, and the engine began to overheat. The pilot turned back toward the private airstrip; however, the engine was losing power, and the airplane was not able to maintain altitude. The pilot attempted to perform a forced landing to field; however, the airplane struck a tree prior to coming to rest in a field. The pilot added that the engine appeared to stop just prior to the impact with the tree.

The wreckage was examined by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector. The airplane was equipped with an uncertificated Rotax 582 engine. The complete engine assembly was bent 90 degrees up and to the left, and the forward cockpit area was severely damaged. The composite propeller did not exhibit any damage consistent with rotation; however, the engine rotated freely, and compression was attained on both cylinders. The airplane's cooling system was impact damaged and a significant amount of engine coolant was observed on the ground.

The Rotax 582 Engine Operator's Manual stated:

"Danger!: This engine, by its design, is subject to sudden stoppage! Engine stoppage can result in crash landings. Such crash landings can lead to serious bodily injury or death. Never fly the aircraft equipped with this engine at locations, airspeeds, altitudes, or other circumstances from which a successful no-power landing cannot be made, after sudden engine stoppage."

The manual further stated:

"Warning!: This is not a certificated aircraft engine. It has not received any safety or durability testing, and conforms to no aircraft standards. It is for use in experimental, uncertificated aircraft and vehicles only in which an engine failure will not compromise safety...."

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to an engine over-temperature condition, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent collision with trees.