N345MN is a 2000 Norman Me CHALLENGER IISPECIAL. It is a fixed-wing single-engine aircraft with 2 seats, powered by a Rotax 503 series rated at 52 horsepower. The registration is active, with the registrant based in Duvall, WA. Its experimental airworthiness certificate was issued in Jan 2008. It has been registered to its current owner since Nov 2007. This page also carries 1 NTSB event.
- 26 years old
2008
2007
That's everything on file so far — TailWiki checks the FAA registry daily and adds new entries as N345MN's record changes.
The pilot, who was also the builder of the experimental pusher-configured airplane, stated that he made a normal departure from his base airport. As the airplane reached about 250 feet above ground level (agl) he transitioned from the best-angle of climb configuration to the best-rate of climb configuration. The airplane emitted a loud "bang" behind the pilot and the engine subsequently experienced a total loss of power. He established a shallow turn back toward the airport and landed in a field just south and adjacent to the runway. The airplane touched down in soft, wet grass and the right main landing gear collapsed. The fuselage was substantially damaged.
After egressing the airplane, the pilot noted that the propeller had separated from the airplane. Upon closer examination, he discovered that the metal bracket he had constructed to support the propeller as part of the speed reduction system had fractured. He estimated that the bracket had amassed about 10 hours of flight time on it.
No photos yet. Sign in to add the first one.