N4GJHutton KR-2 · 1977

On May 26, 2008, about 1510 Pacific daylight time, an experimental Hutton KR-2, N4GJ, lost engine power shortly after takeoff from Roseburg Regional Airport, Roseburg, Oregon, and collided with the terrain near the airport. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local area flight. The private pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged.

The pilot reported that he departed from runway 34 and the engine experienced a partial loss of power about 200 feet above ground level (agl) during the initial climb. The pilot initiated a 180 degree turn to return to the runway; however, during the turn there was not sufficient altitude or airspeed to complete the turn. The airplane stalled/mushed and collided with a road near the airport. The forward section of the fuselage was structurally damaged as well as the wings.

Post-accident inspection of the engine revealed that the pilot had just installed a new air intake. The pilot stated, "the intake after liftoff proved to be very efficient, so much so that it leaned the fuel mixture." The pilot reported no mechanical failures with the engine.