CEN24LA185

Factual narrative

On May 12, 2024, about 1837 eastern daylight time, a Titan T-51 airplane, N260Y, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Novi, Michigan. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot departed from the Canton-Plymouth-Mettetal Airport (1D2), Plymouth, Michigan, on a local flight. Shortly after takeoff, the airplane’s Honda J35A6 engine lost power and the pilot performed a forced landing. During the landing the airplane collided with trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. FAA inspectors responded to the accident site, interviewed the pilot, and examined the airplane. About 6 minutes after takeoff, the airplane’s engine stopped producing power. The pilot recalled that the airplane’s voltage indicator was showing 11 volts when he departed. The airplane was equipped with a Simple Digital System EM-4 electronic fuel injection system. According to the manufacturer, a minimum of 7 volts was needed to maintain proper operation of the system. Following the accident, a loose connector on the EM-4 that powered and controlled “Channel A” of the fuel injectors was found to be not fully seated. No other discrepancies were noted with the engine that would have precluded normal operation. Despite multiple attempts, the pilot did not submit an accident/incident report form or return any correspondence. The pilot recalled that the airplane’s electrical system voltage read 11 volts on takeoff; about 6 minutes into the flight, the engine lost all power. The airplane collided with trees during the off-airport forced landing, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The low voltage that the pilot reported was likely an indication that the airplane’s alternator was not charging the airplane’s battery properly. The airplane was equipped with an electronic fuel injection system that required a minimum of 7 volts to properly function. Following the accident, a loose connector that powered and controlled “Channel A” of the electronic fuel injection system was found to be not fully seated, which might have resulted in a loss of function on half of the injectors. However, it could not be determined if this was impact related. No other discrepancies were noted with the engine that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Ignition system-(general)-Malfunction
• — Aircraft-Aircraft systems-Electrical power system-Alternator-generator drive sys-Malfunction