On 5 Apr 2014, a TERRY F KING ZENITH 701 operated by KING TERRY F was involved in an aviation accident near La Belle, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper grounding of both magnetos at installation, which resulted in degraded ignition performance and ultimately a complete ignition failure, leading to total loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A homebuilt airplane experienced a total loss of engine power shortly after takeoff due to improperly grounded magnetos, resulting in a hard landing that collapsed the nose gear and caused substantial airframe damage.
Incident Overview
During the initial climb after takeoff, at an altitude estimated between 30 and 50 feet above the runway, the engine ceased producing power. The airplane pitched nose-down abruptly and contacted the runway heavily on the nose wheel. It then bounced and struck the nose wheel a second time, causing the nose landing gear to collapse. The impact inflicted substantial damage to the firewall and the airframe.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA airworthiness inspector examined the airplane's engine. The inspection revealed that both magnetos were improperly grounded during installation. The wiring configuration as found led to degraded ignition performance. Over time, this condition progressed to a complete ignition failure, resulting in a total loss of engine power.
Conclusion
The investigation concluded that the loss of engine power was directly attributable to the incorrect grounding of both magnetos at installation.
Probable cause
Improper grounding of both magnetos at installation, which resulted in degraded ignition performance and ultimately a complete ignition failure, leading to total loss of engine power.