Pilot’s Efforts To Restore Engine Power Were Not Successful, And She Executed A Forced Landing To A Muddy Field

Location: Cortland, Illinois Accident Number: CEN23LA106
Date & Time: February 11, 2023, 14:06 Local Registration: N592J
Aircraft: Jabiru USA Sport Aircraft LLC J250-SP Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Unknown or undetermined Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The accident airplane was being flown to the pilot/owner’s home after a replacement engine had been installed. According to the pilot, the maintenance facility had conducted about 4 hours of flight testing after the engine installation was completed. Additionally, the pilot flew 4 takeoffs and landings on the day before the accident flight. The airplane was fully fueled before the flight on the morning of the accident.

After an initial flight of about 1 1/4 hours, the pilot and passenger landed for a short break. The subsequent takeoff and initial portion of the accident flight were uneventful. However, about 2 1/2 hours after takeoff, during cruise flight at 4,500 feet mean sea level (msl), the engine suddenly stopped producing power. The pilot’s efforts to restore engine power were not successful, and she executed a forced landing to a muddy field. The airplane came to rest on its nose, with damage to the fuselage and right wing. 

Examination of the airplane at the accident site determined that about six gallons of fuel were present in the left-wing fuel tank. A small, undetermined amount of fuel was present in the right-wing fuel tank; however, the right wing was damaged during the impact sequence. A postrecovery engine examination noted fuel in the carburetor bowl. The examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

The total fuel capacity was 36 gallons, and the fuel consumption ranged from 5.5 to 7.0 gph. As a result, the expected fuel consumption for a 4-hour flight would be about 28 gallons. The investigation was unable to identify any cause for the loss of engine power during cruise flight.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov