Worthington BD-5B N69SW

Summary

On 2 March 1996 at about 21:11 local time, a Worthington BD-5B registered N69SW was involved in an accident near San Martin, California, United States. One person was on board and one was seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

2 March 1996 at 21:11

Classification

Accident

Location

San Martin, California, United States

Nearest airport

South County Airport (Q99)

Coordinates

37.0996, -121.6001

Aircraft

Worthington BD-5B

Registration

N69SW

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX96LA126

1 person was seriously injured.

the pilot/builder's improper installation (overtorque) of the ignition switch on the instrument panel, which caused an internal switch failure and subsequent malfunction of the ignition system.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, the airplane was in the initial takeoff climb from runway 32, when the engine lost power. He attempted a landing on a freeway median, but the airplane collided with a sign and fence posts. During an investigation, the instrument panel toggle switch, marked 'ignition,' would not stay in the up (on) position. Removal of the switch revealed that its plastic back casing was broken with no impact damage or deformation noted in the surrounding structure. The mechanic, who removed the switch, stated that it was installed excessively tight on the panel. After being removed from the panel, the switch would stay in the up (on) position. The engine was then successfully started and operationally checked.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.