Pilot Debrief

Lewis Jennings NIEUPORT 11 near Pahrump, NV — 2009-09-18

Final reportWPR09LA454
Sign in to save
Date
2009-09-18
Location
Pahrump, NV, USA
Airport
NV74
Aircraft
Lewis Jennings NIEUPORT 11
Registration
N124LH
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to a failure of the engine's sole magneto.

NTSB narrative

During cruise flight the engine lost all power. The pilot did not have enough time and altitude to perform an engine restart, and during the subsequent forced landing, the airplane nosed over. The airplane was equipped with an automotive engine converted for aviation use. Post accident examination revealed that the engine's only magneto had failed after its rotor was damaged by a loose high tension lead attachment screw. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and vertical stabilizer during the accident sequence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have performed an engine restart after power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

Related mishaps