Probable cause
A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fatigue failure of a cylinder exhaust spring.
NTSB analysis
During cruise flight, the pilot heard a "snap or pop" sound and then felt an engine vibration before the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed an off-airport landing to a field. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 3 cylinder exhaust spring had experienced fatigue failure due to a non-metallic inclusion that was present at the time the spring was fabricated. The size of the inclusion was above the metallographic wire rod inspection limit used by the wire manufacturer.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA102 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 9, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Willard, Ohio
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Flight Design Gmbh CTLS
- N-number
- N30LK
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.