Pilot Debrief

McGlashan T-51 Mustang near Columbia, CA — 2010-06-27

Final reportWPR10LA316
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Date
2010-06-27
Location
Columbia, CA, USA
Aircraft
McGlashan T-51 Mustang
Registration
N751RM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

A loss of engine power during approach due to thermal damage to the engine's electronic ignition module. Contributing to the accident was the builder’s placement of the ignition module near the engine’s exhaust.

NTSB narrative

The experimental amateur-built airplane had been airborne for approximately 30 minutes on its inaugural flight when the engine stopped producing power. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to a field, and during the landing the main landing gear separated from the fuselage, causing the fuselage to wrinkle and bend. Postaccident examination of the engine's electronic ignition module revealed that it was partially melted. The electronic module had been mounted approximately 5 inches from the engine's exhaust pipe due to lack of clearance between the top of the engine and its cowling. The installation manual for the module states that the maximum ambient temperature for the electronic module is 175 degrees Fahrenheit.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Ensure proper clearance for electronic ignition module to prevent overheating.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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