Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to the failure of the improperly modified magneto and loss of control in flight by the pic while maneuvering to return to the airport.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The engine lost power at a low altitude during initial climb after takeoff and the pilot initiated an emergency turn back to the airport. The acft stalled during the turn and descended nose down into the ground. An improper type coil, modified to fit, was installed in the engine magneto.
Source record
Factual narrative
On Sunday evening, July 17, 1993, at 1833 mountain daylight time, a Stark Rand KR-2, N2AL, registered to the pilot, impacted the ground eight miles north of Townsend, Montana, in an uncontrolled descent. There was no flight plan filed for the local personal flight, conducted under 14 CFR 91 in visual meteorological conditions, that had just taken off from the Canyon Ferry Airstrip. The private certificated pilot was fatally injured in the accident. The aircraft was destroyed in the mishap. There was no fire. Witnesses reported the aircraft entered a steep turn back toward the airstrip at a low altitude after takeoff. The aircraft nose dropped during the turn and the aircraft descended in a nose down attitude until it impacted the ground. The FAA inspector who examined the wreckage reported the pilot had been having problems with the aircraft engine during the week before the accident and that evidence indicated the engine was not operating at the time impact. He said an improper coil was installed on the engine magneto in the wreckage. -