About 500 Ft Above Ground Level (AGL), The Engine Lost Power

Location: Mojave, CA Accident Number: WPR22LA133
Date & Time: March 26, 2022, 12:00 Local Registration: N88KL
Aircraft: Adams Dennis Allen VariEze Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On March 26, 2022, about 1200 Pacific daylights time, an experimental amateur-built, VariEze, N88KL, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Mojave, California. The pilot sustained minor injuries and the pilot-rated passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he departed from Mojave Air and Space Port, Mojave, California, runway 26, and turned left to the south. While ascending, about 500 ft above ground level (agl), the engine lost power. As the pilot continued the left turn back to the airport, he realized that he was unable to make it to the runway and elected to land in open desert terrain. During the landing rollout, the airplane collided with desert vegetation and the landing gear separated.

The wreckage was recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov