Event CEN10CA398

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

Hierarchical cause / factor breakdown from the FAA bulk avdata database. Each finding tagged C (Cause) or 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