N105RC

On August 11, 1997, at 1030 eastern daylight time, a Zenair 701, N105RC, collided with the ground while attempting an emergency landing at Spruce Creek Airport, Spruce Creek, Florida. The airplane was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. The prevailing weather was visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. No flight plan was filed for this personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the private pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries. The local flight originated at 0930.

According to the pilot, this flight was a demonstration for the passenger who hoped to purchase the amateur built, experimental airplane. The pilot did a pre-flight, and he filled the two cycle, outboard motor engine with Amoco high grade gasoline. After flying in the area for about an hour, the pilot landed the airplane at Spruce Creek Airport. Up to this point, the pilot stated "the engine had been running beautifully", and the gages all read normal values. After taxiing back for takeoff, the airplane departed for closed pattern work. At an altitude of 50 feet, the pilot stated the engine "lost about 100 RPM, but was still climbing". While on the downwind leg at about 500 feet, the engine quit. The pilot attempted to turn and land at Spruce Creek Airport, but was unable to reach the airport. The pilot stated he decided to land in a wet field. When he did, the aircraft "sank in mud about 6" deep and instantly burst into flames". The airplane was significantly burned before the fire trucks arrived.

The atmospheric conditions were favorable for carburetor icing.