Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's inadvertent activation of an engine cutoff switch during cruise flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot/owner of the experimental, amateur-built airplane was in cruise flight at 1,500 ft above ground level when he shut down the engine by inadvertently activating an unguarded engine cutoff switch that was recently installed on the control stick. After two unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine, he performed an off-field landing to a golf course. During the landing roll the airplane impacted a metal box resulting in damage to the landing gear, propeller, and left wing strut.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot/owner of an experimental, amateur built, UL Stork was in cruise flight at 1,500 ft agl, when he shut down the engine by inadvertently activating a recently installed, unguarded, engine cutoff switch located on the control stick. After two unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine, he performed an off field landing to a golf course. During the landing roll the airplane impacted a metal box resulting in damage to the landing gear, propeller, and left wing strut.