Accident Details
The flight had been airborne for 12 minutes when the airplane experienced a total engine failure. The pilot received vectors to an airport and was informed that the airport lacked lighting. Approximately 1 mile from the airport, the pilot could not locate the airport in the dark and stated, 'I'm going for the dark spot....' Subsequently, radio and radar contact were lost, and no further communications with the pilot occurred.
Another pilot on the same frequency was vectored to the airport and circled overhead about 10 to 15 minutes after the last transmission from N8603N. This pilot attempted to activate the runway lights. After four to five unsuccessful attempts, a vehicle arrived at the airport, and the lights turned on.
Witness Account
A witness observed the airplane at low altitude west of the airport, describing it as 'it was like it was gliding... no sound... and was descending lower and lower... I didn't see anything, I didn't hear the sound of an airplane. The engine or anything....'
Examination
The engine, fuel injection system, and fuel found in the airplane were all examined, and no discrepancies were found. Both magnetos were tested on a test stand, revealing that the coils from each magneto were cracked and leaking. The aircraft's logbooks showed that the last entry and the last annual inspection were performed on August 1, 1988. Since then, the airplane had flown a total of 30 hours. No ferry permit was issued for this flight, and no maintenance was performed prior to the flight.