Sonex Tailwheel — Burleson, TX

What happened

The pilot and builder of the airplane was conducting the airplane’s first flight. The pilot contacted the tower controller and requested to orbit the airport for 30 minutes at 3,500 ft. Shortly after departure, the pilot reported that he was unable to climb and needed to return to the airport. The pilot reported that he had a “sick engine,” and he was “just trying to make the field.” The controller reported to the pilot that smoke appeared to be coming from the engine.

Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) data revealed the airplane departed from the airport, turned, and flew south for about 2 miles before it turned north back to the airport. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane impacted powerlines and terrain and came to rest inverted about 1 mile south of the airport.

During the engine examination oil was present on the dipstick. The oil filter was cut open and fine metal pieces/powder were observed on the filter element, and small metal pieces were observed in the engine’s oil filter port. The engine was seized and could not be rotated by hand. The engine was not dissembled further, and the source of the metal filings was not determined.

The loss of engine power was attributed to the seizure of the engine; however, the reason for the engine seizure could not be determined. Investigators were unable to determine why the pilot did not stay over the airport and orbit as originally requested.

An editorial "what led to it / how to avoid it" analysis for this accident is generated separately and will appear here.