Primary finding
Probable cause
A complete loss of engine power following an electrical short to ground in the aircraft's 'ignition kill' electric circuit.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The accident airplane collided with terrain after losing engine power during final approach to the landing runway. The pilot stated that he entered the traffic pattern, started his landing descent and everything was normal. About 500 feet agl the engine tachometer lost about 200 rpm, then the engine quit. The airplane struck the top of a levy near the approach end of the runway. During the on scene investigation the wiring from the ignition source to the ignition kill switch was checked and found to be shorted to the deck in the engine compartment, deactivating the single ignition system used on this aircraft.
Source record
Factual narrative
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