N75JD

On March 15, 2003, at 1200 central standard time, an amateur-built Nabole Steen Skybolt, N75JD, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after takeoff from runway 18 (4,255 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) at Chanute Airport (CNU), Chanute, Kansas. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was departing on a local flight. The airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power at 200 feet above ground level and the pilot attempted to return to land at the airport. The airplane landed in a field about 150 yards short of the runway and the landing gear collapsed during the landing roll. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported he initially turned right 30 degrees after he recognized the partial loss of power so that he could turn back to the runway if necessary. He turned back to the left to make a downwind landing on runway 36. The airplane lost altitude during the turn and landed short of the runway. He reported that the airspeed was 90 knots at touchdown.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector examined the airplane. The inspection of the engine revealed it had crankshaft and drive train continuity. The inspector examined the engine's mechanical fuel pump, boost pumps, magnetos, timing, and compression and found no anomalies.

The carburetor installed on the Franklin Sport 220 engine was a Bendix PS-5C pressure carburetor. The carburetor was functionally tested at B&S Aircraft Parts and Accessories in Wichita, Kansas. The FAA airworthiness inspector reported the test indicated the "carburetor was in excellent condition and capable of functioning properly."

The FAA inspector reported that the field south of the departure runway was a large, flat wheat field.

The pilot reported that he "should have went for the field straight ahead of the aircraft."