Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during cruise and the misjudged flare resulting in a hard landing. Contributing to the accident was the frozen lake to which the pilot performed a forced landing.
NTSB analysis
The experimental amateur-built airplane lost engine power during cruise on a cross country flight. The accident airplane sustained substantial damage during a hard landing on impact with a frozen lake. Examination of the airplane wreckage revealed flight and engine control continuity. No pre-impact anomalies were detected.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08LA067 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 12, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Garrison, Minnesota
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built RV8
- N-number
- N617MZ
- 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.