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WPR18CA028

2017-10-28 · Chandler, Arizona, United States · None · 1 aircraft · Status: Completed

Airport CHD

Current FAA registration · N651P

Make / Model
TITAN AIRCRAFT TITAN-T51
Year of manufacture
2016 · 1 years old at event
Engine
SUZUKI G13BB (100 hp)
Seats / Engines
2 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date
20160415
ADS-B equipped
Yes — Mode-S A891B6

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

Probable cause & findings

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

Factual 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 rate of descent, impacted the ground about 100 ft from the approach end of the runway, and slid to a stop about three feet from the runway threshold. During the postaccident examination, it was found 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 made contact with the engine control unit (ECU) toggle switch while he was positioning the flaps, which shut the engine down. 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 pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. 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. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

  • C Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-(general)-(general)-Unintentional use/operation - C
  • C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action selection-Pilot - C
  • — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-(general)-Contributed to outcome
  • — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Ignition system-Switching-Design

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2017_WPR18CA028.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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