Probable cause
A loss of engine power due to the spark plug coming out of the cylinder head.
NTSB analysis
According to the sport pilot, during takeoff in his experimental light sport airplane equipped with a two cylinder engine, he noted a loss of engine power. During the forced off airport landing, the airplane struck a fence post followed by a hard landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer and fuselage. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the number 2 spark plug had pulled out of the cylinder head and the threads from the cylinder head were still attached to the spark plug.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA058 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 26, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Kalispell, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Kalispell City (S27)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Quad City Ultralight Acft Corp CHALLENGER II
- N-number
- N522PE
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.