NTSB Factual Report

On August 26, 2017, about 0800 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Gaywood CH601 airplane, N9066F, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from the Goldendale Airport (S20), Goldendale, Washington. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing during the subsequent forced landing in hilly terrain. The pilot/owner operated the airplane as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 local personal flight. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed.

According to the pilot, he had replaced the fuel filter and then refueled the airplane with aviation gas (100-low lead) the morning of the accident. He then performed a 15-minute engine ground run with no discrepancies found. The engine was shut down and he opened the cowl to check for any leaks. Finding none, he then readied the airplane for the local area flight, and taxied to the run-up area. He stated that the run-up was a little longer than normal, but no problems were encountered.

After takeoff, the airplane climbed to about 75 feet above ground level, when the engine lost power. The pilot initiated a 90-degree turn from the runway heading to make an off-airport landing. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with terrain.