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NTSB Report
February 29, 2020 · Zenith CH601 XL · N601ND
Cabool, MO
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 29, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Cabool, MO
Aircraft
Zenith CH601 XL (2013)
Tail Number
N601ND
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20LA107
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.
NTSB Probable Cause
The loss of engine power due to failure of the No. 1 cylinder piston for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence.
Full 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.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:34 CST
Nearest AirportCabool Memorial Airport (2nm W)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftZenith CH601 XL
Tail NumberN601ND
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsJabiru · 3300A · Reciprocating
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 84 · None · None
Crew 2None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 30 C
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC