CEN20LA107

Factual narrative

On February 29, 2020, at 1534 central standard time, an experimental amateur-built Zodiac 601XLB, N601ND, was involved in an accident near Cabool Memorial Airport (TVB), Cabool, Missouri. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, the cockpit "suddenly" filled with black smoke after departing TVB. The engine then sputtered and ceased operating. He attempted to return to TVB but landed in a field short of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed the No. 1 cylinder piston was broken in two pieces, and the piston crank link was bent. The reason for the failures was unknown. The pilot of the personal flight stated that, after departure, the cockpit filled with smoke and the airplane then experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to return to the departure airport but landed in a field short of the airport runway; the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed the No. 1 piston was broken in two pieces, and the piston crank link was bent. The reason for the failures was unknown. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-Recip eng cyl section-Failure
• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-Recip eng cyl section-Unknown/Not determined
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-(general)-Contributed to outcome