N404DC

On August 10, 2001, approximately 1830 central daylight time, a Donald Chiasson FP-404 homebuilt experimental airplane, N404DC, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Port Allen, Louisiana. The non-instrument rated private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated from the Omni Field (LA46), near a Port Allen, Louisiana, approximately 1800 local.

The 525-hour pilot reported to the FAA inspector, that while in level flight at about 800 feet above the ground, the 52 horsepower Rotax 503 engine began to run rough and lose RPM. A few seconds later, while the pilot was attempting to return to the airport, the engine lost power and seized. The pilot elected to execute forced landing to a sugar cane field. The pilot was able to egress the airplane unassisted. There was no fire.

Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the airframe, both main landing gears were damaged, the engine mounts were bent, and one propeller blade was fractured. The airplane had accumulated a total of 11.6 hours since it was built by the pilot. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.