Amateur-built T51 N260Y accident near Novi, Michigan

Probable cause

A failure of the electrical system, resulting in a loss of fuel injection and subsequent loss of engine power.

NTSB analysis

The pilot recalled that the airplane’s electrical system voltage read 11 volts on takeoff; about 6 minutes into the flight, the engine lost all power. The airplane collided with trees during the off-airport forced landing, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

The low voltage that the pilot reported was likely an indication that the airplane’s alternator was not charging the airplane’s battery properly. The airplane was equipped with an electronic fuel injection system that required a minimum of 7 volts to properly function. Following the accident, a loose connector that powered and controlled “Channel A” of the electronic fuel injection system was found to be not fully seated, which might have resulted in a loss of function on half of the injectors. However, it could not be determined if this was impact related. No other discrepancies were noted with the engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA185 for the full record.