Accident Overview
On February 29, 2020, at 1534 central standard time, an experimental amateur-built Zodiac 601XLB, registration N601ND, was involved in an accident near Cabool Memorial Airport (TVB), Cabool, Missouri. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the cockpit "suddenly" filled with black smoke after departing TVB. Subsequently, the engine sputtered and ceased operating. The pilot attempted to return to the airport but was unable to reach the runway and landed in a field. Both wings sustained substantial damage during the landing.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 1 cylinder piston was broken into two pieces, and the piston crank link was bent. The precise reason for these component failures was not determined.