N320

On April 2, 2007, at 1729 Pacific daylight time, an experimental amateur built Carpenter Lancair 320, N320, experienced a partial loss of engine power on takeoff and made a forced landing on runway 12 at Whiteman Airport (WHP), Los Angeles, California. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot/owner/builder, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local area flight, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight was originating at the time.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector interviewed the pilot. Shortly after takeoff, abeam the tower at 100 feet agl, he felt a "jolt/engine burp" followed by a partial loss of engine power. He "backed off" the power, and landed on the remaining runway. The pilot reported that he had retracted the landing gear prior to the loss of power, and was not able to lower the landing gear prior to touchdown. The airplane contacted the runway, slid down the remaining runway, and came to a stop after impacting the airport perimeter fence.

An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the airframe and engine. He removed the fuel injectors and noted debris in the number 2 fuel injector. He was not able to identify the debris, but indicated that it disintegrated when he touched it. A visual inspection of the cylinders revealed that the number 2 cylinder walls were white in appearance, akin to a lean running condition. The other cylinder walls were darker in appearance. He established mechanical and valve train continuity through manual rotation of the engine.

The pilot/owner/builder also held a repairman experimental aircraft builder certificate for the accident airplane. According to the engine logbook, the last condition inspection had been completed on February 2, 2007. A differential compression check was conducted with no anomalies noted, and new spark plugs were installed. On March 12, 2007, the number 4 cylinder was removed for inspection of the intake valve. The pilot/owner replaced the "rings," reinstalled the cylinder on the engine, and tested it for leaks. He noted no discrepancies.

According to the Airport Facility Directory, runway 12 at Whiteman Airport was 4,120 feet long by 75 feet wide. The airport tower was located midfield.