N9550

On September 23, 1999, at 1815 central daylight time, an amateur built Bosick Pulsar, N9550, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The private pilot reported no injuries. The personal 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was on file. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot said he conducted a pre-flight inspection and run-up prior to starting the takeoff from the private airport, to the west, on the turf runway. He said that everything, "seemed normal" until the airplane reached about 200 feet above ground level. He said at that point the engine suffered a total loss of power. He said that he was unable to land back on the runway and saw a farmer on a tractor directly off the end of the runway, so he elected to make a slight turn to the left and descended into the corn and the terrain. He said that he did not know the reason for the loss of engine power.

Subsequent to the accident an examination of the airplane and engine was conducted. Fuel was found in the fuel pump and lines to the engine. There was spark at the plugs. The cylinder head was removed and no internal damage was found. The engine rotated. No anomalies were found in the airframe.