Doyle-Michael SONERAI-II N28MD

Summary

On 6 March 2009 at about 17:44 local time, a Doyle-Michael SONERAI-II registered N28MD was involved in an accident near Leonardtown, Maryland, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

6 March 2009 at 17:44

Classification

Accident

Location

Leonardtown, Maryland, United States

Nearest airport

St. Mary's County Regional (2W6)

Coordinates

38.3328, -76.5697

Aircraft

Doyle-Michael SONERAI-II

Registration

N28MD

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Leonardtown → Leonardtown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA09LA187

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's continued operation of the airplane with a known mechanical deficiency. Contributing to the accident was the improper installation of the electronic ignition system.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot/owner of the amateur-built airplane, after performing an engine check, he noticed the sole engine-driven magneto was not operating normally. However, since he had an electronic ignition system, he felt it would be acceptable to remain in the traffic pattern at the airport. While climbing through approximately 400 feet on his sixth takeoff, the engine started to lose power. The pilot/owner manipulated the throttle; however, the engine failed to respond. During the off-airport forced landing, the airplane impacted a tree with the outboard portion of the right wing. Following the recovery of the wreckage, the No. 2 cylinder exhaust pipe was observed detached and the exhaust outlet was in close proximity to the electronic ignition and coil that provided power to the cylinders. Additionally, the fuse to the ignition system was also found blown. After replacing the fuse, the engine operated normally utilizing the electronic ignition system. Manufacturer guidance indicates that the installation of the electronic ignition system should be on the accessory gear box next to the engine driven magneto, in order to prevent excessive temperatures to the coils. In the accident airplane, the electronic ignition system was mounted on the firewall, near the No. 2 exhaust.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.