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NTSB Report

October 15, 2023 · Tvap 4 · N42VZ

Franksville, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 15, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Franksville, WI
Aircraft
Tvap 4 (2017)
Tail Number
N42VZ
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN24LA012

The pilot of the experimental, amateur-built airplane stated that the airplane sustained a total loss of engine power during the departure climb. The pilot then performed a forced landing on a field near the departure end of the runway. During the landing, the airplane’s landing gear dug into soft terrain resulting in a nose over of the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. Postaccident examination revealed the airplane was equipped with a supplemental ignition system. Two units of the supplemental system were installed with fuses that were not called for in the system installation instructions. One of the fuses was blown, which disabled one of the two units and did not allow for the airplane’s magneto system to continue providing engine ignition, resulting in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB Probable Cause

The improper installation of the supplemental ignition system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On October 15, 2023, at 0900 central daylight time, a Zant TVAP-4, N42VZ, was involved in an accident near Franksville, Wisconsin. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot was uninjured. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot, who was the airplane owner, stated that the airplane sustained a total loss of engine power while climbing through 200 ft above ground level. The pilot then performed a forced landing on a field near the departure end of the runway. During the landing, the airplane rolled for about 100 ft before the landing gear dug into soft terrain resulting in a nose over of the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The airplane was equipped with a Generation 3 Ignition (G3i), which is an electronic ignition control system that is interfaced with the engine’s magneto ignition system on homebuilt, experimental aircraft. The G3i system is comprised of a MSD Ignition Multiple Spark Discharge (Ignition Amplifier) unit and a G3i Ignition Interface unit. Each unit was installed with a 7.5-amp fuse; however, the G3i Installation Manual (Series-1 and Series-2) did not call for the installation of fuses for either unit. The G3i Installation Manual stated, in part: “The G3i module interfaces the aircraft magnetos with (MST) Multiple Sparking Technology ignition system. G3i compliments the synchronized firing event in all naturally aspirated and supercharged Lycoming & Continental engines. The MST amplifier discharges synchronized multiple sparks, which lasts for 20° of crankshaft rotation. The G3i system operates by switching the magnetos from their typical normal state to the more versatile electronic MST ignition.” Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that, with the airplane’s electrical power and magneto systems on and the G3i system off, the engine’s ignition system functioned normally. When the G3i system was turned on, the magneto system did not function. The 7.5-amp fuse installed for the MSD unit was blown. The G3i Installation Manual stated “NOTE: In flight loss of engine power or suspected G3i ignition system failure, Toggle off the power to the G3i ignition system to revert back to default magneto mode.” According to the Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspector who conducted the postaccident examination of the airplane, the pilot was unaware of the G3i Installation Manual note since no aircraft build records were provided to him as the buyer of the airplane. The pilot stated to the National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-in-Charge that he did not toggle off the G3i system because he did not have time to diagnose the cause of the engine power loss. The pilot said that he did not have an engine-out checklist. There was no G3i flight manual supplement/placard for emergency procedures relating to the failure of the G3i system, and such a supplement/placard was not required.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 CDT
Nearest AirportCindy Guntly Memorial Airport (0.4nm N)
Runway1
Runway Length2381 ft
Runway Width70 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftTvap 4
Tail NumberN42VZ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1E6 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind350° @ 15 kt, gusting 24 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 39 C
Altimeter30.08 inHg
Observation Time09:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data