Probable cause
A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to a failure of the engine's sole magneto.
NTSB analysis
During cruise flight the engine lost all power. The pilot did not have enough time and altitude to perform an engine restart, and during the subsequent forced landing, the airplane nosed over. The airplane was equipped with an automotive engine converted for aviation use. Post accident examination revealed that the engine's only magneto had failed after its rotor was damaged by a loose high tension lead attachment screw. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and vertical stabilizer during the accident sequence.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09LA454 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 18, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pahrump, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Calvada Meadows Airport (NV74)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built NIEUPORT 11
- N-number
- N124LH
- 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.