Pilot Debrief

Zenith Aircraft Company Zodiac CH601 XL near Odessa, MO — 2024-09-02

Final reportCEN24LA333
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Date
2024-09-02
Location
Odessa, MO, USA
Aircraft
Zenith Aircraft Company Zodiac CH601 XL
Registration
N624RJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

Overheating of the engine coolant for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a precautionary off-airport landing, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, about five minutes after departure in his experimental amateur-built airplane, the engine coolant began to overheat. The pilot reduced engine power hoping that the coolant temperature would decrease or would not increase further; however, the temperature continued to increase, and the pilot chose to land in a field. During the landing, the airplane contacted a drainage ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and the left wing. Postaccident examination of the automotive engine revealed no evidence of coolant leaks, and the coolant overflow tank was full of coolant. The cause of the overheating was not determined during the examination. The pilot stated that he had not experienced any issues with overheating coolant during previous flights.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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