Pilot Debrief

Milholland Kelly D near Livingston, TX — 2016-10-07

Final reportCEN17LA015
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Date
2016-10-07
Location
Livingston, TX, USA
Airport
OOR
Aircraft
Milholland Kelly D
Registration
N522LM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that, while on approach for landing in the experimental amateur-built airplane, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage. An examination of the engine revealed that the left magneto was not producing spark. Further examination of the left magneto revealed signatures consistent with failure of the magneto capacitor. Although the failure of a single magneto would likely result in a partial loss of engine power, the reason for the total loss of engine power experienced on the accident flight could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine performance before approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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