N1777W

On July 14, 2001, about 1230 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Pitenpol Aircamper 1933, N1777W, registered to a private individual, operating as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, impacted with terrain during a forced landing near Hernando, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The commercial-rated pilot, and a passenger/owner reported serious injuries. The flight had departed from Spruce Creek, Florida, en route to Hernando, at 1100.

The pilot stated, "...engine failure occurred...pilot attempted to re-start using back-up ignition with no results. Pilot then located an emergency landing site and negotiated landing...upon impact...landing gear collapsed and wing collapsed...fuel tank was ruptured and ignited...."

According to the airplane's owner, who was seated in the front seat, "..…flight normal to within 5 miles of destination. Cruise speed 80 mph. Cruise altitude 800 feet. Shortly after power reduction to low cruise setting, engine quits. Pilot attempts re-start, but does not use carb heat. Pilot attempts a landing on a smooth field…..at approximately 80 feet AGL and 50 mph, pilot attempts sharp bank. Plane stalls and spins into ground..…plane ignites 60 seconds after impact..…engine recovered on Oct. 15, 2001, put on test stand and run. Engine runs perfectly. Engine torn down and inspected by A&P mechanic. No damage of any type found."