Accident Details
A pilot reported a partial loss of engine power during landing at an elevation of approximately 5,280 feet above mean sea level. The ambient temperature was about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. After the power loss, the pilot applied full throttle, but the engine RPM decayed, and the airplane crash landed.
Investigation Findings
A partial engine teardown was conducted following the accident. Examination revealed that the grounding wire on the right magneto was disconnected. The magneto in question was a Bendix S-200 model. According to the investigation, the disconnected wire would cause the magneto to ground out and cease functioning. With one magneto grounded, there would be a loss of approximately 200 RPM.
Additional Information
No further details were provided by the pilot or the investigation regarding other systems, environmental conditions, or pilot actions beyond those described.