N208BF

On January 9, 2001, at 1700 central standard time, a Nord 1101, single-engine experimental airplane, N208BF, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during the takeoff/initial climb from the Aero Country Airport, near McKinney, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The airline transport pilot received serious injuries and his pilot-rated passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported that the airplane was at 250 feet agl when the engine "smoothly throttled back to a low power setting although throttle lever was at full position." The pilot performed the emergency procedures; however, the engine power was not restored. The airplane would not maintain altitude, and the pilot landed the airplane in a soft field southeast of the airport.

The FAA inspector, who responded to the site, found the right aileron separated at its outboard hinge. The fuselage structure was wrinkled and buckled. Examination of the engine revealed that the aft throttle linkage assembly's push/pull rod separated from the support bushing. The FAA inspector stated that the rod end was "inadequately" engaged in the support bushing "due to improper installation."

The pilot/owner reported that the airplane had accumulated 2.4 flight hours since the last annual inspection.