Amateur-built 1 RAG WNG SP N768BA accident near Oshtemo, Michigan

Probable cause

The failure of the ignition system wiring, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, just after takeoff and during the initial climb, the airplane's engine suddenly lost power when the airplane was about 400 feet above the ground. The pilot attempted to return to the departure runway but realized that he did not have sufficient altitude. The airplane impacted trees and the ground in a wooded area near the runway. All of the biplane's wing surfaces were fragmented during the accident sequence and the fuselage came to rest nose down. The airplane was powered by a converted automobile engine. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the ignition high voltage coil wire had separated from the coil. When the wire was reinserted into the coil, the engine started normally. The coil wire was held in place by a friction fit; no other means of retention was provided.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA047 for the full record.