Accident Sequence
After takeoff, the pilot leveled the aircraft at approximately 1,500 feet and adjusted the power to a low cruise setting. Shortly thereafter, the engine began to miss and subsequently lost all power. The pilot followed emergency procedures but was unable to restart the engine. He maneuvered the aircraft for a landing on a golf course, delaying extension of the landing gear to clear power lines and trees. After clearing these obstructions, he lowered the gear switch, but the aircraft touched down before the gear was fully extended.
Investigation Findings
A post-accident check of the engine revealed that the magnetos were not providing ignition. Evidence of carbon tracking was present in both magnetos. When the magnetos were tested, a spark was observed arcing across the magneto bars. The manufacturer recommended that the magnetos, Slick model 622R, be serviced every 500 hours. The magnetos on this aircraft had accumulated a total flight time of 556 hours since installation.