N216JE

On May 15, 1999, at 1645 central daylight time, a Boyd Dan, Mono-Wheel Euro, homebuilt airplane, N216JE, collided with the ground shortly after takeoff from the Jones Lite Aviation Airport, in Smith, Alabama. The airplane was operated by the private pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The pilot received serious injuries, the passenger received minor injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage.

According to witnesses, shortly after takeoff a loud "bang" was heard and the airplane nosed down into the ground. According to the pilot, the engine lost partial power and while climbing to clear power lines the aircraft stalled, and nosed down into a tree and subsequently the ground. A FAA Inspector on-scene stated that examination of the wreckage found that the engine had impacted the tree directly, cracking the crankcase, and substantially damaging both wings and the cockpit. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were known to be favorable for the formation of induction system icing.