The pilot reported that, while on final approach, after passing over the perimeter fence at the airport in Chandler, Arizona, the Titan T-51’s engine lost power.
The airplane hit the ground about 100′ from the approach end of the runway, and slid to a stop about 3′ from the runway threshold.
Post-accident 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.
Probable cause: The pilot’s inadvertent contact with the engine control unit toggle switch during flight, which resulted in the engine shutting down.
NTSB Identification: WPR18CA028
This October 2017 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
The insurance company handles these things…this guy will no doubt lose his.
When I was learning to fly, (at age 13), the early Cessnas were built with the mag switches, (just toggle switches in those days) were installed “upside-down”, that is, DOWN was “hot mags”, and UP was “grounded mags”, or OFF. My boss got tired of that one day and switched them around so they would be “natural”. HE FORGOT TO TELL ME! We were hand=-propping, normally a very easy thing, but when he called “HOT!”, I checked the switches DOWN. He propped and propped, and finally, “Guess it is flooded, MAGS OFF!” “I’ll flip it to clear, THROTTLE FULL!” I did it, he pulled it thru, AND THE ENGINE STARTED! Luckily he was doing it carefully and jumped out of the way. Scared the pee out of me, and he was so red-faced when he remembered he hadn’t told me he had switched them.
Cessna TTX built the same way with the fuel boost pump switch in wrong place. Was moved when Cessna purchased the Columbia which had a different location for the boost pump switch. Very bad arrangement and it was a contributing factor in a crash of a 2015 model. Never know until it happens to you! That’s probably one reason why Cessna quit building them. Numerous crashes with the plane, some of which were engine failures for unknown reasons. NTSB very political on reason for crashes.
Bummer
And why would a competent builder build in a flaw like this, when a $2 flip-up switch guard would have avoided it?
This is an experimental aircraft, but here’s a prime example of why cockpit control knob shapes should equate to Part 23 requirements. The Rule is in place for a reason, and this is one.