N751RM

On June 27, 2010, about 0900 Pacific daylight time, a McGlashan T-51 Mustang experimental amateur-built airplane, N751RM, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while maneuvering near Columbia, California. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The owner/pilot/builder was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight, which departed Pine Mountain Lake Airport, Groveland, California, approximately 30 minutes before the accident.

The pilot said that this was the inaugural flight of the airplane. While approaching Columbia Airport for landing, the engine stopped producing power, and he performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the main landing gear separated from the fuselage, and the fuselage was wrinkled and bent.

Postaccident examination of the engine's electronic ignition module by the pilot revealed that it was partially melted. He reported that the electronic module had been mounted approximately 5 inches from the engine's exhaust pipe due to lack of clearance between the top of the engine and its cowling. The installation manual for the module states that the maximum ambient temperature for the electronic module is 175 degrees Fahrenheit.