Primary finding
Probable cause
Total loss of engine power due to the improper installation of an electronic ignition system connector plug.
Investigator assessment
Analysis 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.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 18, 2022, at 0804 eastern daylight time, an experimental amateur-built RV-10 airplane, N910BW, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Palatka, Florida. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that shortly after takeoff, the engine sputtered then lost total power. He was unable to return to the airport and made a forced landing to heavily wooded terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the tail section. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the cannon plug type circular connector that connected the electronic ignition wiring harness to the firewall was not locked, and the connector was partially engaged. The connector provided the connection between the wiring harness and the two electronic control units located on the cockpit side of the firewall. According to a representative of the manufacturer of the ignition system, if the firewall connector was not secure “…this would result in a single point failure of the entire ignition system.” A review of the airplane’s maintenance records revealed that the electronic ignition system was installed in October 2020. There were no subsequent entries that discussed maintenance of the ignition system since that date.