NTSB Factual Report

On June 6, 2003, about 1930 Pacific daylight time, an experimental category Zenith Air CH 701, N2748, sustained substantial damage during an off airport forced landing subsequent to a loss of power near Rochester, Washington. The airplane is owned by the pilot, and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal/pleasure flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The student pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The flight originated from Skatter Creek (20WA), a private airstrip near Rochester. The pilot's planned destination was Cricket Field (4WA2), Little Rock, Washington.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that after departing Skatter Creek airport, at a distance of about one mile and at 800 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine quit completely. The pilot reported that in the resulting forced landing, the aircraft landed hard which broke the nose wheel axle bolt. Just before the aircraft stopped, the nose fork dug in and the aircraft nosed over. The pilot stated "... engine quit because a jet came loose in the carburetor". The pilot further stated "... landed hard because after I rounded out to clear the trees, I didn't have enough airspeed and mushed in". The aircraft was substantially damaged in the nose over.

NTSB Probable Cause

Loose jet in the carburetor while on climb out resulting in a loss of engine power.