Pilot Debrief

CHARLES D WALKER WALKER CURTISS JN4D near Greenville, KY — 2023-05-15

Final reportERA23LA231
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Date
2023-05-15
Location
Greenville, KY, USA
Aircraft
CHARLES D WALKER WALKER CURTISS JN4D
Registration
N8262
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The separation of an electrical wire that powered the ignition module, rendering the ignition system inoperative, and resulting in the total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff during a personal flight, the pilot of the experimental amateur-built airplane reported that the engine lost all power suddenly. He was able to briefly restart the engine for several seconds after several attempts, but it lost power gain. He maneuvered for a forced landing to nearby field and the airplane’s wings and fuselage were substantially damaged during the subsequent landing. Postaccident examination of the engine’s ignition system revealed the power supply electrical wire from the distributor to the ignition module was separated at the connection at the distributor. Further, a secondary locking device was not present on the separated electrical connector. Thus, the separation of the electrical wire that powered the ignition module served as a single-point failure that disabled the ignition system.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked electrical connections during preflight inspection.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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