N43886

On June 18, 2000, at 1635 central daylight time, an amateur-built Rans S-12XL Airaile, N43886, piloted by a commercial pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain while returning to land following a loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff. The aircraft was departing from runway 18 (2,940 feet by 32 feet, dry asphalt), at the Sauk-Prairie Airport, Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and was not on a flight plan. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

In a written statement, the pilot said that during climb after takeoff, the engine "...coughed and sputtered for approximately 5-7 sec[onds] then quit. I put the nose down and turned [right] into the wind [heading] 270, which would have landed us on the airfield. At 100 [feet] we were at 50 mph (stall 43 mph) and I attempted a restart when we were pushed to the right by a gust of wind. I put in left rudder and aileron and we stalled out. We impacted the ground wings level and nose slightly low."

No anomalies were found with respect to the airframe or control system that could be associated with a preexisting condition.

During an engine teardown inspection performed by the Federal Aviation Administration and a representative of the engine manufacturer, the carburetor float chambers were examined and were found to have contamination consistent with corrosion. This contamination was found in the bottom of the float bowl and on the main jet retainer plate. The main jet was removed and contamination particles were found in this area as well.