The student pilot reported that he departed Twin Airpark (8NC2) in Caroleen, North Carolina, aboard an X-Air H, with the intention of flying to Rutherford County Airport (KFQD) for refueling. After taking on approximately 18 gallons of fuel at KFQD, he returned to 8NC2 and successfully completed one landing. He then chose to depart again from Runway 14 to the north to continue touch-and-go landing practice.
While flying the downwind leg of the traffic pattern for Runway 14, the pilot reduced engine power, at which point the engine experienced a complete loss of power. He attempted to restart the engine by activating the electric fuel pump and applying choke, but the engine did not respond.
Consequently, the pilot executed a forced landing in a field. During the landing, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft sustained significant structural damage to the fuselage, particularly at the left and right main landing gear attachment points.
A post-accident examination of the engine indicated that the spark plugs exhibited coloration consistent with normal operation. Compression and valvetrain movement were confirmed across all cylinders, and continuity between the crankshaft and camshaft was verified. The oil filter was removed and inspected, with no abnormalities identified.
However, with the aircraft battery and ignition switch turned on, manual rotation of the engine revealed that the ignition coil failed to produce a spark, indicating a malfunction within the ignition system.
Probable Cause: Total loss of engine power resulting from an inoperative ignition system.
NTSB Identification: 193980
To access the full report, click here to download the PDF to your device.
This accident report, published in March 2024 by the National Transportation Safety Board, is provided for educational purposes to assist pilots in learning from real-world incidents and improving flight safety.