What happened
Twelve minutes after takeoff, the N8603N experienced a total engine failure. The pilot was provided with vectors toward an airport but was informed that runway lighting was unavailable at that location. While approximately one mile from the airport, the pilot reported being unable to locate the airfield in the darkness and stated, "I'm going for the dark spot...." Following this transmission, all radio and radar contact with the aircraft was lost.
A second pilot on the same frequency was vectored to the airport. This pilot circled the area for approximately 10 to 15 minutes after the final transmission from N8603N and attempted to activate the runway lights. After four or five unsuccessful attempts, the second pilot observed a vehicle arrive at the airport, at which point the lights were activated.
A witness reported observing the aircraft at a low altitude west of the airport. The witness described the plane as gliding silently and descending progressively lower, noting that there was no engine sound audible during the descent.
The investigation
Investigators examined the engine, the fuel injection system, and the fuel remaining in the aircraft; no discrepancies were identified in these components. However, testing of both magnetos on a test stand revealed that the coils from each magneto were cracked and leaking.
Review of the aircraft logbooks indicated that the last annual inspection and the most recent entry were completed on August 1, 1988. Since that date, the airplane had flown only 30 hours. No maintenance had been performed prior to this flight, and no ferry permit had been issued for the operation.