N1730H

On October 6, 1994, at 1609 central daylight time, an experimental Johnson A-4, N1730H, was destroyed following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip in LaPorte, Indiana. The private pilot sustained serious injury. The planned destination for the personal, 14 CFR Part 91 flight was Michigan City, Indiana. No flight plan was filed.

In his written statement, the pilot reported that while climbing through about 200 feet, he noticed that he could not maintain his climb rate. He noticed a loss of engine power. He made a "near stall, 90 degree right turn" and conducted a forced landing in a small field.

According to an aircraft accident report completed by the LaPorte County Police Department, the pilot said he "attempted to make an emergency landing in the field but did not have enough airspeed to maneuver properly."

The brother of the pilot, a witness to the accident, reported that the airplane reached a maximum height of about 150 feet. It began losing altitude and appeared to be flying close to a stall. He said the plane "apparently hit nose and right wing first."

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspectors, who examined the wreckage, reported no evidence of preimpact malfunction. The fuel tank and strainer contained fuel. Both blades of the wood propellor were fractured from the hub. The magneto was operationally checked and functioned normally. Inspection of the fuel system, engine, and carburetor revealed no anomalies.