N30SP

On July 13, 2005, at 0930 eastern daylight time, an experimental Jabiru SK, N30SP, owed and operated by a private pilot, collided with the ground and burst into flames near Aiken, South Carolina. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 141 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The experimental airplane was substantially damaged, and the pilot was not injured. The flight departed from Twin Lakes Airport, Graniteville, South Carolina, on July 13, 2005 at 0925.

During the takeoff phase of the repositioning flight, the pilot reported that the engine began to vibrate violently and lost power. The pilot selected a nearby field for a forced landing. After the airplane touched down, and after the pilot exited the airplane, it burst into flames.

Post accident examination revealed the airplane was made of composite materials, and was damaged by post crash fire. The engine was heavily fire damaged. One valve cover was punctured, and partially melted. The pistons and piston rods were still attached to the camshaft with no abnormalities. Traces of oil were found throughout the engine and in the oil pan. The engine system appeared to be well lubricated.