N5052E

On October 6, 1995, at 0951 mountain standard time, a Schlitter Rans S-9 homebuilt experimental airplane, N5052E, collided with ground obstructions during a forced landing near Chandler, Arizona. The forced landing was precipitated by a complete loss of engine power during cruise flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft, owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The local area personal flight originated about 0900 from Casa Grande, Arizona.

The pilot reported that while in cruise the engine suddenly stopped. He selected a road on which to land; however, vehicle traffic prevented its use and he was forced to land in a cotton field. The aircraft collided with high vegetation and plowed furrows during the landing roll, substantially damaging the airframe structure.

The aircraft and engine were examined by an FAA airworthiness inspector. He reported that disassembly of the Rotax 503 two-stroke engine revealed that the number two cylinder was seized. The inspector could not determine the reason for the cylinder seizure. Damage to the airframe consisted of damage to both main gear, engine mount, and a bottom longeron behind the main gear.