Pilot Debrief

SWARTZ GENE TITAN T 51 MUSTANG near Lancaster, CA — 2016-07-23

Final reportWPR16LA149
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Date
2016-07-23
Location
Lancaster, CA, USA
Airport
WJF
Aircraft
SWARTZ GENE TITAN T 51 MUSTANG
Registration
N5103
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to the separation of a flywheel magnet, which impacted the attachment bracket for the primary and secondary ignition and disrupted the timing of the ignition system, rendering it inoperative.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that, while flying the experimental, amateur-built airplane in the airport traffic pattern, the engine experienced a total loss of power. He quickly attempted an engine restart, but was unsuccessful and decided to land on a nearby road. The airplane landed hard and the right main landing gear collapsed. The airplane subsequently veered to the right and impacted a sign. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that a loose magnet in the flywheel struck the attachment bracket for the primary and secondary ignition, which disrupted the timing of the ignition system and rendered it inoperative; the engine subsequently experienced a total loss of power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted a thorough preflight inspection to identify loose components.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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