N493K

On June 8, 2000, approximately 0845 mountain daylight time, a Froelich Lancair IV, N493K, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with terrain during a forced landing in Bountiful, Utah. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant aboard, received a minor injury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at Tooele, Utah, approximately 0820.

According to the pilot's accident report, he descended from 10,500 feet msl (above mean sea level) to 6,500 feet msl in preparation for landing, using 15 inches of manifold pressure. When he turned south and advanced the throttle, there was no response from the engine, and the tachometer indicated 1,660 rpm (revolutions per minute). Skypark Airport was 7 miles to the south and the airplane was at an altitude of 1,300 feet agl (above ground level). He decided to make a forced landing in an open field. Unable to glide over power lines ahead, the pilot dove the airplane under and clipped one of the power lines, tearing off the top portion of the rudder. The airplane then stuck a pile of tractor tires, went through a fence, and spun around.

Postaccident inspection by an FAA inspector revealed fuel in the line leading to the spider. The pilot said he suspected he lost power due to a flooded engine.