Vollmers SONERAI II L N317WM

Summary

On 11 July 1998 at about 14:25 local time, a Vollmers SONERAI II L registered N317WM was involved in an accident near Lincoln, North Dakota, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

11 July 1998 at 14:25

Classification

Accident

Location

Lincoln, North Dakota, United States

Coordinates

46.8001, -100.7595

Aircraft

Vollmers SONERAI II L

Registration

N317WM

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Jamestown → Bismarck

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI98LA271

1 person had minor injuries.

Loss of engine power due to a corroded ignition wire. Related factors were the tailwind, and ditch.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot said that the engine suffered a total loss of power and he initiated a forced landing to a dirt road. On approach to the road he realized that the landing would have a tailwind. He then attempted to turn the airplane more into the wind; however, he temporarily lost control. Coincident with his recovery of control of the airplane, the landing was made in a ditch. During the rollout, the airplane nosed over. A subsequent examination of the engine revealed a corroded wire in the electronic (automotive) ignition system of the amateur built airplane.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.