Incident Summary
A pilot conducting a climb experienced a loud popping sound in the headsets. At approximately 800 feet above ground level, the pilot decided to check the magnetos by turning the ignition switch. After returning the key to the BOTH position, the pilot turned it to the second magneto position. Hearing no change, the pilot attempted to jiggle the key, but inadvertently turned it too far left, engaging the OFF position. The key then would not turn back to the right, and the engine stopped.
Pilot's Account
The pilot reported that during the climbout, the popping sound became very loud in both the pilot's and passenger's headsets. At about 800 feet above ground level, the pilot decided to check the magnetos. After turning the ignition switch counterclockwise to the first magneto position, the sound did not change. The pilot returned the key to BOTH, then turned it to the second magneto position. The sound remained unchanged, so the pilot tried to jiggle the key. In doing so, the pilot inadvertently turned the key too far left, causing it to go into the OFF position. The key then would not turn to the right, and the engine stopped.
FAA Inspector's Report
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, only a small, snow-covered field was available for landing. The pilot performed a forced landing. Due to the limited size of the field, the aircraft touched down hard, severing the landing gear. The aircraft then slid to a stop in approximately 90 feet.
Post-Accident Examination
Post-accident examination revealed that with any forward pressure pushing the key in, the ignition key would stick and not turn from the left magneto position toward BOTH.