What happened
On September 2, 2024, a Zenith Aircraft Company Zodiac CH601 XL, registration N624RJ, was involved in an accident near Odessa, Missouri. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal flight.
Approximately five minutes after departing, the pilot observed that the engine coolant temperature was rising rapidly. In response, the pilot reduced engine power and airspeed and turned the aircraft back toward the departure airport. As the pilot continued to decrease power in an attempt to stabilize the temperature, the coolant temperature continued to rise. Steam and an odor eventually filled the cockpit, prompting the pilot to execute a landing in a nearby field. During the landing maneuver, the aircraft struck a shallow drainage ditch, causing substantial damage to the fuselage and the left wing. The pilot and a passenger sustained 2 minor injuries.
The investigation
An examination of the aircraft, which was powered by an automotive engine, was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector. The inspection found that there were no coolant leaks present, and the coolant overflow tank remained full. The pilot reported that no previous overheating issues had occurred during prior flights, and the specific reason for the temperature spike could not be identified.