Probable cause
A partial loss of engine power due to the pilot’s improper installation of the engine’s No. 1 cylinder spark plugs.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, during the turn from the base leg to final approach, the engine experienced a partial loss of power. He performed a forced landing into some small trees because he knew he could not glide the airplane to the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing spars. A postaccident examination revealed that a spark plug was backed out of the No. 1 cylinder and was suspended from the electrode wire. The pilot reported that he had changed the engine spark plugs the day before the accident and that he may have cross-threaded one of them.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA355 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 20, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Carthage, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Gilliam Mcconnell (5NC3)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SNGL SEAT HAWK ARROW
- N-number
- N4209F
- 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.