N897G

On April 13, 2000, about 1610 central standard time, a homebuilt Hartline Glastar, N897G, owned by a private individual impacted with trees during a forced landing near Woodstock, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged. The two private-rated pilots reported serious injuries. The flight had departed Sylacauga, Alabama, at 1630, en route to Paducah, Kentucky.

According to the FAA inspector's statement, "...the pilot was flying at cruise flight for about 30 minutes after refueling...at approximately 2,000 feet, the engine failed. The pilot attempted to restart during a glide to [a] suitable landing area. The engine failed to restart, aircraft glided short of intended off-airport landing area, struck the top of a tree...." After striking the tree the airplane went nose first into a marshy area.

In addition, the inspector stated, "...this engine has a dual electronic ignition controlled by a computer in conjunction with a computer driven fuel compensation unit. The electronic equipment was damaged beyond our testing capability and the aircraft and engine were released...with follow-up by the factory...the factory rep [sic] for NSI [engine]...stated that he believed the malfunction was the result of one or more computers. This accident had undetermined causes...."