CICJF

On May 4, 2006, approximately 1345 Pacific daylight time, a Canadian-registered Murphy Renegade basic ultra-light, CICJF, impacted trees during a forced landing about one-quarter mile east of Runway 08, at Fairchild International Airport, Port Angeles, Washington. The Canadian private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured, but the aircraft, which is owned and operated by the pilot, sustained substantial damage. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal pleasure flight, which was initiated at the same airport about 25 minutes prior to the accident, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions.

According to the pilot, after making a takeoff from runway 08 at Fairchild Airport, he climbed on a crosswind leg to an altitude of 2,100 feet above sea level. He then leveled off and turned to the west. As he was cruising toward the west, the aircraft's engine abruptly stopped, and he made a right turn back toward the approach end of runway 08. He attempted to stretch the glide to the threshold of the runway, but approximately one-quarter mile from the end of the runway, the aircraft impacted two trees and tumbled to the ground.

An inspection of the engine by an FAA Airworthiness Inspector did not establish the reason for the loss of power. According to the pilot, the engine had recently been installed in the aircraft, and it had abruptly quit on him one other time since its installation.