Primary finding
Probable cause
Partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that while on a pleasure flight the engine began running rough, and it appeared as if one of the cylinders had failed and the other soon followed. He elected to make a precautionary landing on an uninhabited island in the Indian River rather than try to make a suitable airport. During landing the aircraft flipped over before coming to a stop. The responding FAA inspector stated that there was about 3 gallons of auto gas in the fuel tank. The engine did not have major damage and could be rotated. A possibility of fuel contamination or a magneto malfunction may have caused the rough running engine. The FAA determined the airplane did not have a current and valid airworthiness certificate with operating limitations. The pilot did not have current valid pilot certificate or medical certificate at the time of the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 4, 2006, about 1245 eastern daylight time, an experimental, Noakes B J, Corby CJ-1, N79860, registered to and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight, flipped over during a precautionary landing near Edgewater, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported no injuries and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from Blue Ridge Flightpark Airport, Oak Hill, Florida, earlier that day about 1215. The pilot stated that while on a pleasure flight the engine began running rough, believing that one of the cylinders failed and the other soon to follow. He elected to make a precautionary landing on an uninhabited island in the Indian River rather than try to make a suitable airport. During landing the aircraft flipped over before coming to a stop. The responding FAA inspector stated that there was about 3 gallons of auto gas in the fuel tank. The engine did not have major damage and could be rotated. A possibility of fuel contamination or a magneto malfunction may have caused the rough running engine. A review of the pilot's and airplane's records by FAA indicated that the airplane was inspected by a FAA representative on September 26, 1997 and was issued a Special Airworthiness Certificate for amateur built. The pilot purchased the airplane in 2005 and did not have a current and valid airworthiness certificate with operating limitations. The pilot did not have current valid pilot certificate or medical at the time of the accident.