Pilot Debrief

VANS RV10 near Palatka, FL — 2022-07-18

Final reportERA22LA322
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Date
2022-07-18
Location
Palatka, FL, USA
Airport
28J
Aircraft
VANS RV10
Registration
N910BW
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

Total loss of engine power due to the improper installation of an electronic ignition system connector plug.

NTSB narrative

Shortly after takeoff, the experimental amateur-built airplane’s engine lost total power and the pilot made an off-airport forced landing, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the tail section. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that a cannon plug-type circular connector that connected the engine’s electronic ignition system’s wire harness to the two electronic control units was not properly connected. The manufacturer of the ignition system stated that disengagement of the connector, which carried all electrical signals required to run the ignition system, “…would result in a single point failure of the entire ignition system.” Maintenance records showed that the ignition system had been installed about 21 months before the accident, with no other work to that system detailed between that time and the accident. Based on this information, it is likely that the connector had not been fully secured when the system was installed, and that over time, the partial connection had loosened, ultimately resulting in the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Ensure ignition connector was secure before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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