While Still In The Climb, Just West Of The Airport, The Engine Gradually Lost Total Power

Location: Moultonborough, NH Accident Number: ERA23LA360
Date & Time: September 1, 2023, 09:10 Local Registration: N2480Y
Aircraft: Brown Benjamin C Challenger II Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On September 1, 2023, at 0910 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built Challenger II, N2480Y, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Moultonborough, New Hampshire. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

According to the pilot, during takeoff and initial climb, the engine was producing full power without anomalies. Then, while still in the climb, just west of the airport, the engine gradually lost total power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. He located a small field and performed a forced landing, during which the right-wing strut sustained substantial damage. The pilot egressed the airplane without issue and was not injured.

The airplane and engine were retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov