NYC96LA019

Factual narrative

On October 27, 1995, about 1145 eastern daylight time, a Pezold Lancair IV-P, N960JP, a homebuilt experimental airplane, was destroyed, when it collided with trees, during a forced landing following a go-around at the Somerset County Airport, Somerset, Pennsylvania. The private pilot was seriously injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. There was no flight plan filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector, this was the first flight for the airplane. The pilot was conducting an approach to runway 24, a 4697 foot long and 75 foot wide runway. The pilot abandoned the approach and performed a go-around, during which the airplane collided with a power line and trees. The pilot stated, "Engine spooled down on go-around. Nose lowered to maintain airspeed. Slight turn to pick landing site. Crashed in wooded area. The FAA Inspector stated: A continuity check of the aircraft and engine controls revealed no abnormalities. Subsequent inspection of the engine revealed a failure of the fuel pump drive which would explain the reported power loss. The airplane was on its maiden flight. The pilot made an approach to runway 24, then initiated a go-around. As he attempted a climb-out, the engine lost power. The pilot then lowered the nose and maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing. However, during the landing, the airplane collided with a power line and trees. An examination of the airplane revealed a failure of the fuel pump driveshaft. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12