Pilot Debrief

Golden Eagle Chief near Mt. Zion, IL — 2017-09-03

Final reportCEN17LA338
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Date
2017-09-03
Location
Mt. Zion, IL, USA
Aircraft
Golden Eagle Chief
Registration
N68N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

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 and passenger were conducting a cross-country flight in the experimental, amateur-built airplane. While in cruise flight about 1 hour after takeoff, the engine experienced a total loss of power and the pilot performed a forced landing in a bean field. The airplane nosed over after touchdown, crushing the top of the rudder. The pilot told Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors that, before moving the airplane to its hangar following the accident, he drained the fuel tanks because he did not want fuel leaking on the hangar floor. He reported that he drained 13 gallons; this could not be confirmed by the FAA inspectors. A cursory examination of the engine established drive train continuity when the propeller was turned by hand; however, based on the available information, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before flight to ensure adequate supply.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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