Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to execute a precautionary landing to unsuitable terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while en route on the cross-country flight he noticed that the cylinder head temperature was rising. Suspecting a water leak through the cooling hose, he surveyed the remote area and made a precautionary landing on what appeared to be suitable terrain. After touchdown and during the landing roll the airplane encountered uneven ground, which resulted in the collapse of the nose landing gear and substantial damage to the airplane's right wing and empennage. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he should not have landed until he had located better terrain. The pilot reported no preimpact loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA020 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 17, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Milford, Utah
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
ZENITH 701
- N-number
- N67MG
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2007
- 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.