Event MIA01LA186

Factual narrative

On July 14, 2001, about 1230 eastern daylight time, a homebuilt Pitenpol Aircamper 1933, N1777W, registered to a private individual, operating as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, impacted with terrain during a forced landing near Hernando, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed. The airplane was destroyed. The commercial-rated pilot, and a passenger/owner reported serious injuries. The flight had departed from Spruce Creek, Florida, en route to Hernando, at 1100. The pilot stated, "...engine failure occurred...pilot attempted to re-start using back-up ignition with no results. Pilot then located an emergency landing site and negotiated landing...upon impact...landing gear collapsed and wing collapsed...fuel tank was ruptured and ignited...." According to the airplane's owner, who was seated in the front seat, "..…flight normal to within 5 miles of destination. Cruise speed 80 mph. Cruise altitude 800 feet. Shortly after power reduction to low cruise setting, engine quits. Pilot attempts re-start, but does not use carb heat. Pilot attempts a landing on a smooth field…..at approximately 80 feet AGL and 50 mph, pilot attempts sharp bank. Plane stalls and spins into ground..…plane ignites 60 seconds after impact..…engine recovered on Oct. 15, 2001, put on test stand and run. Engine runs perfectly. Engine torn down and inspected by A&P mechanic. No damage of any type found." According to the airplane's owner, at 800 feet cruise altitude, and within 5 miles of the destination airport, at a speed of 80 mph, and shortly after the pilot reduced power the engine stopped. The pilot attempted a re-start, without using carburetor heat, and was not successful. He attempted a forced landing in a field, but about 80 feet AGL and at 50 mph, he attempted a sharp bank, which resulted in a stall and spin into ground. The airplane ignited 60 seconds after impact. The engine was placed on test stand and ran without any discrepancies. In addition, the engine was torn down and inspected by an A&P mechanic. No damage of any type was found. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12