Amateur-built Zodiac CH601 XL N624RJ accident near Odessa, Missouri

Probable cause

Overheating of the engine coolant for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a precautionary off-airport landing, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that, about five minutes after departure in his experimental amateur-built airplane, the engine coolant began to overheat. The pilot reduced engine power hoping that the coolant temperature would decrease or would not increase further; however, the temperature continued to increase, and the pilot chose to land in a field. During the landing, the airplane contacted a drainage ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and the left wing.

Postaccident examination of the automotive engine revealed no evidence of coolant leaks, and the coolant overflow tank was full of coolant. The cause of the overheating was not determined during the examination. The pilot stated that he had not experienced any issues with overheating coolant during previous flights.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA333 for the full record.