Amateur-built Super Acro Sport N61SC accident near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota

Probable cause

An open circuit in the engine's electrical switch box, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was conducting a local flight to ensure that the airplane was operating normally for an upcoming trip. While returning to the airport, the engine experienced a loss of power and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot conducted a forced landing to a corn field, during which the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.

The pilot later examined the engine and determined that one of the engine's electrical switch boxes had an open circuit, which prevented electrical charge from reaching the cylinder Nos. 1, 3, and 5 spark plugs. The other switch box, which provided charge to the Nos. 2, 4, and 6 spark plugs, operated normally. It is likely that the loss of engine power was the result of the open circuit and subsequent lack of ignition to three cylinders.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19LA226 for the full record.