N800RH

On August 23, 2000, about 0930 central daylight time, a Siai-Marchetti, N800RH, registered to and operated by a private owner, as a Title 14 CFR part 91 personal flight, crashed after takeoff from Madison County Airport, in Meridianville, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot, the sole occupant was not injured, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that he performed the full preflight inspection, and everything was normal. The pilot further stated that upon departure from runway 08, while climbing through an altitude of about 50 to 70 feet above ground level, the engine suddenly ceased operating, with no prior warning. The pilot said he immediately switched from the right fuel tank to the left one, but the engine did not restart, so he executed a forced landing in an open grass area, on the west side of runway 18. The pilot said that during the landing rollout, the engine started, but the left wing and tail section struck a metal structure, and the airplane was damaged.

A witness stated that he heard the takeoff, and it sounded as if the engine was developing full power. The witness further stated that immediately after the airplane had lifted off, he heard the engine make sounds as if it was "missing," and he continued to watch as the airplane returned to the ground.

A second witness, a FAA licensed mechanic, stated that he had been watching the airplane the whole time, and he had observed the takeoff, and the engine sounded as if it was developing full power while the airplane was on the takeoff roll. The mechanic further stated that just after takeoff, at an altitude of about 100 feet, the engine sounded rough for a very brief period of about 2 to 3 seconds duration, and then the engine ceased operating. The mechanic said he then saw the aircraft descend behind a small dip in the terrain, out of sight. The mechanic said he then saw a cloud of dust, and at the same time, heard the sound of the airplane's engine again. About 2 to 3 minutes later, the mechanic said he saw the airplane taxiing back to the ramp where it had been prior to taxiing for the takeoff.

The FAA inspector who conducted the postaccident examination of the aircraft stated that he checked the airplane's fuel tanks, and he took fuel samples from each sump drain. The inspector further stated that he found 1/4 inch of water in the right tank drain. He said he also took fuel samples from the remaining tanks, but found no sediment or water in the remaining tanks. The inspector also said that the following day he conducted a static test on the engine. He said that the engine was operated, utilizing fuel from the right tank. According to the inspector, full power was applied for 3 to 5 minutes, and the engine operated normally with no loss in power.