Able To Briefly Restart The Engine For Several Seconds After Several Attempts, But It Lost Power (A)gain

Location: Greenville, Kentucky Accident Number: ERA23LA231
Date & Time: May 15, 2023, 17:13 Local Registration: N8262
Aircraft: Charles D Walker Walker Curtiss JN4D Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Powerplant sys/comp malf/fail Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: Shortly after takeoff during a personal flight, the pilot of the experimental amateur-built airplane reported that the engine lost all power suddenly. He was able to briefly restart the engine for several seconds after several attempts, but it lost power gain. He maneuvered for a forced landing to nearby field and the airplane’s wings and fuselage were substantially 
damaged during the subsequent landing. Postaccident examination of the engine’s ignition system revealed the power supply electrical wire from the distributor to the ignition module was separated at the connection at the distributor. Further, a secondary locking device was not present on the separated electrical connector. Thus, the separation of the electrical wire  that powered the ignition module served as a single-point failure that disabled the ignition system. 

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The separation of an electrical wire that powered the ignition module, rendering the ignition system inoperative, and resulting in the total loss of engine power.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov