Pilot Debrief

SONEX AIRCRAFT SONEX near Dowagiac, MI — 2023-09-10

Final reportCEN23FA410
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Date
2023-09-10
Location
Dowagiac, MI, USA
Airport
C91
Aircraft
SONEX AIRCRAFT SONEX
Registration
N569SX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to the failure of the ignition distributor rotor.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed for a local flight and an alert notice (ALNOT) was issued when the pilot did not return. A search effort concluded four days later when the wreckage was found in a heavily wooded area about 4 miles from the departure airport. No ADS-B data associated with the airplane, or the accident flight was available. At the time of the on-scene examination, the transponder was observed in the OFF position. Impact signatures on the propeller were consistent with the propeller not rotating at impact. Examination of the engine revealed that the ignition distributor rotor was fractured and disconnected from its driveshaft. This resulted in a total loss of engine power when the ignition system became inoperative due to the rotor failure. No other preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were found with the airframe or engine.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have returned to the airport when realizing the flight was taking longer than expected.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • Photos
  • 10 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents10

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