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CEN10CA398

2010-06-30 · Newark, Illinois, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Airport 0C8

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

A total loss of engine power during cruise when the ignition switch vibrated into the "off" position, leading to the airplane's impact with a ditch during the off-field landing.

Factual narrative

The pilot was on a local flight when the airplane sustained an in-flight loss of engine power. The airplane impacted a ditch during the off-field landing and incurred substantial damage. The pilot reported that the rotary-type ignition switch vibrated from the "run" position to the "off" position. The pilot did not hold a pilot certificate. The pilot was on a local flight when the airplane sustained an in-flight loss of engine power. The airplane impacted a ditch during the off-field landing and incurred substantial damage. The pilot reported that the rotary-type ignition switch vibrated from the "run" position to the "off" position. The pilot did not hold a pilot certificate. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • — Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Qualification/certification-Pilot
  • C Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Ignition system-Switching-Malfunction - C
  • — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Rough terrain-Contributed to outcome

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2010_CEN10CA398.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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