Probable cause
The improperly secured spark plug, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
Shortly after takeoff, the airplane's engine lost power. The airplane hit trees and then terrain, resulting in substantial damage. A postaccident examination revealed that one spark plug and its lead assembly had separated from its cylinder. Examination of the threads and the orifice on the cylinder revealed no anomalies. Further examination revealed that the remaining spark plugs were loose but had not separated from their respective cylinders. It is likely that the spark plug that had become separated was also loose and not properly secured during maintenance. Examination of the airplane's engine, airframe, and systems revealed no additional anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA460 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 3, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wild Rose, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Wild Rose Idlewild Airport (W23)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built TITAN TORNADO 1
- N-number
- N70786
- 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.