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NTSB Report
January 18, 2009 · Siemer James H Earthstar · N532JS
Santa Ynez, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 18, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Santa Ynez, CA
Aircraft
Siemer James H Earthstar
Tail Number
N532JS
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA091
According to the sport pilot, during cruise flight in his experimental light sport airplane he noted that the two-cylinder engine's cylinder head and exhaust gas temperature gauges decreased in temperature. Thereafter, the number 1 cylinder (rear) stopped producing power, and engine power was partially lost. The pilot made a forced landing on upsloping, rough terrain. During landing, the airplane's forward fuselage buckled. The pilot said that examination of the engine revealed that the spark plug had come out of the engine's rear cylinder head. The pilot had changed the spark plugs about 2.5 hours prior to the mishap.
NTSB Probable Cause
A partial loss of engine power due to the rear cylinder's spark plug coming out of the cylinder head.
Full Narrative
According to the sport pilot, during cruise flight in his experimental light sport airplane, he noted that the two-cylinder Hirth 3203 engine's cylinder head and exhaust gas temperature gauges decreased in temperature. Thereafter, the number 1 cylinder (rear) stopped producing power, and engine power was partially lost. The pilot made a forced landing on upsloping, rough terrain. During landing, the airplane's forward fuselage buckled. The pilot said that examination of the engine revealed that the spark plug had come out of the engine's rear cylinder head. The pilot had changed the spark plugs about 2.5 hours prior to the mishap.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 PST
Nearest AirportSanta Ynez (2nm)
Runway26
Runway Length2804 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftSiemer James H Earthstar
Tail NumberN532JS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsHirth · 3203 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Sprt · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time17:20
Weather SourcePILO