Summary
On October 28, 2017, a Still Michael J TITAN T-51 (N651P) was involved in an incident near Chandler, AZ. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's inadvertent contact with the engine control unit toggle switch during flight, which resulted in the engine shutting down.
The pilot reported that while on final approach, after passing over the airport perimeter fence, the engine lost power. The airplane had a high rate of descent, impacted the ground about 100 ft from the approach end of the runway, and slid to a stop about three feet from the runway threshold.
During the postaccident examination, it was found that the instrument panel layout had the flap position buttons adjacent to the unguarded engine control switches. The pilot reported that while on final approach, he inadvertently made contact with the engine control unit (ECU) toggle switch while he was positioning the flaps, which shut the engine down.
This incident is documented in NTSB report WPR18CA028. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N651P.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's inadvertent contact with the engine control unit toggle switch during flight, which resulted in the engine shutting down.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that while on final approach, after passing over the airport perimeter fence, the engine lost power. The airplane had a high rate of descent, impacted the ground about 100 ft from the approach end of the runway, and slid to a stop about three feet from the runway threshold.
During the postaccident examination, it was found that the instrument panel layout had the flap position buttons adjacent to the unguarded engine control switches. The pilot reported that while on final approach, he inadvertently made contact with the engine control unit (ECU) toggle switch while he was positioning the flaps, which shut the engine down. Engine download data indicated that the ECU was turned off while on short final.
The fuselage and inboard wing spar structure were substantially damaged.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR18CA028