Pilot Debrief

PALMETTO ELECTRONICS INC X-AIR H near Ellenboro, NC — 2024-03-04

Final reportERA24LA151
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Date
2024-03-04
Location
Ellenboro, NC, USA
Airport
8NC2
Aircraft
PALMETTO ELECTRONICS INC X-AIR H
Registration
N3505W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to an inoperative ignition system.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the experimental amateur-built airplane departed with the intention of completing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern. While on the downwind leg of the pattern, when the pilot reduced engine power the engine lost total power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, then initiated a forced landing to a field. The fuselage structure was substantially damaged during the landing. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that with power applied to the engine’s ignition system no spark was produced when the engine’s crankshaft was rotated. Based on this information system, it is likely that an ignition system fault resulted in the total loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a different practice flight plan after initial landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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