Davis SONEX N555SX

Summary

On 6 February 2009 at about 21:00 local time, a Davis SONEX registered N555SX was involved in an accident near Crossville, Tennessee, 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

6 February 2009 at 21:00

Classification

Accident

Location

Crossville, Tennessee, United States

Nearest airport

Crossville Memorial Airport (CSV)

Coordinates

35.9511, -85.0850

Aircraft

Davis SONEX

Registration

N555SX

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Flight Test

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Crossville → Crossville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA09CA162

1 person had minor injuries.

A total loss of engine power during initial climb due to the failure of the ignition power supply as a result of the improper installation of the electronic control unit.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot of the amateur-built airplane was initiating a test flight to check a new propeller. After advancing the throttle, the airplane accelerated with normal power. However, at an altitude of 300 feet, the engine lost total power. The pilot turned back to the departure runway and landed on soft ground to the south of the runway. The landing gear collapsed, substantially damaging the firewall. Examination of the airplane revealed that continuity existed throughout the engine drivetrain, and the engine had no visible damage. The fuel was sampled and no contamination was observed. Examination of the fuel filter revealed no obstructions, the fuel pump operated normally, and the air filter was clean. The spark plugs were determined to be functional; however, no electrical energy was being delivered to the spark plugs. Further examination revealed that the electronic control unit (ECU) was not transmitting voltage to the dual coils. The ECU was manufactured to automotive specifications, and was supposed to be installed in an area of the airplane where temperatures do not exceed 65 degrees Celsius (preferably on the cabin side of the firewall). The ECU on the accident airplane was installed on the engine side of the firewall.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.