Still Michael J TITAN T-51 N651P

Summary

On 28 October 2017 at about 21:10 local time, a Still Michael J TITAN T-51 registered N651P, operated by Michael J Still, was involved in an accident near Chandler, Arizona, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

28 October 2017 at 21:10

Classification

Accident

Location

Chandler, Arizona, United States

Nearest airport

Chandler Municipal (CHD)

Coordinates

33.2642, -111.8200

Aircraft

Still Michael J TITAN T-51

Registration

N651P

Category

Airplane

Year built

2016

Engines

1

Operator

Michael J Still

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Mesa → Chandler

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR18CA028

Nobody was injured.

The pilot's inadvertent contact with the engine control unit toggle switch during flight, which resulted in the engine shutting down.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while on final approach, after passing over the airport perimeter fence, the engine lost power. The airplane had a high descent rate, impacted the ground about 100 ft from the approach end of the runway, and slid to a stop about 3 ft from the runway threshold. Postaccident examination revealed that the instrument panel layout had the flap position buttons adjacent to the unguarded engine control switches. The pilot reported that, while on final approach, he inadvertently contacted the engine control unit (ECU) toggle switch while he was positioning the flaps, which shut down the engine. Engine download data indicated that the ECU was turned off while on short final. The fuselage and inboard wing spar structure were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.