UNREG

On May 21, 2005, about 1400 central daylight time, an unregistered Clinton W. Smith Rans S6 Coyote II experimental/amateur-built aircraft, crashed while attempting to take off from Louisville, Mississippi. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The commercial-rated pilot and one passenger received serious injuries, and the aircraft incurred substantial damage. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that the passenger was interested in purchasing the aircraft, so he and the passenger spent some time prior to the takeoff taxing the aircraft, so that the passenger could evaluate his potential purchase. As they attempted to take off, during the initial climb, as the aircraft reached an altitude of about 150 to 200 feet, suddenly the engine ceased operating. The pilot said he attempted to perform a 180-degree turn to get back to the runway, but the airplane had insufficient airspeed and altitude remaining, to complete the turn, and the aircraft "pancaked" into the ground, incurring damage.

An FAA inspector responded to the accident scene and conducted a postcrash examination of the aircraft and engine. The inspector stated that during the course of his examination he found that there was continuity throughout the two stroke engine, however when he inspected the pistons and cylinders, he found the front piston and cylinder to be galled, consistent with it having operated hot, and lean.