Accident Overview
On September 20, 2019, at approximately 1940 central daylight time, an experimental, amateur-built RV-10 airplane, registration N569JC, was involved in an accident near Lancaster, Texas. The airplane, operated under Title 14 Federal Code of Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight, sustained substantial damage. The airline transport pilot and three passengers reported no injuries.
Flight Sequence
The pilot described the 40-minute flight as uneventful until a touch-and-go landing. During the initial climb, the nosewheel emitted a vibrating sound. The engine then backfired and experienced a partial power loss. The pilot determined that the remaining runway was insufficient for a landing, so he continued climbing, raised the flaps, and increased the airspeed to 95–100 knots. Manifold pressure dropped from 17 to 14 inches with full throttle, and engine power continued to decrease.
Realizing he could not turn toward the airport due to insufficient altitude, the pilot executed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the nose landing gear and main landing gear collapsed. Both wings sustained substantial damage. All occupants exited the aircraft, which was later recovered to a secure facility for examination.
Examination Findings
A teardown examination of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies. The fuel system was intact, with no obstructions or leaks observed. Bench testing of the magnetos showed that the right magneto had no anomalies, while the left magneto fired on only 3 of its 6 terminals.
Ignition System
The airplane was equipped with a G3i electronic ignition system coupled to the magnetos. This system generated multiple sparks over a longer duration and synchronized timing between the two magnetos. Synchronization was accomplished using the left magneto as a trigger for the entire system. While the electronic ignition was operating, it relied solely on the left magneto points to fire both magnetos with an enhanced multi-spark. If the left magneto failed or deteriorated, the complete ignition cycle would be compromised.