CEN17LA015

The private pilot reported that, while on approach for landing in the experimental amateur-built airplane, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage. An examination of the engine revealed that the left magneto was not producing spark. Further examination of the left magneto revealed signatures consistent with failure of the magneto capacitor. Although the failure of a single magneto would likely result in a partial loss of engine power, the reason for the total loss of engine power experienced on the accident flight could not be determined based on the available information.

On October 7, 2016, about 1315 central daylight time, a Milholland Kelly D airplane, N522LM, was substantially damaged during a forced landing 1/2 mile north of Livingston Municipal Airport (OOR), Livingston, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The cross-country flight departed Sport Flyers Airport (27XS), Brookshire, Texas, about 1200, and was en route to OOR.According to the pilot, while approaching OOR for landing, the engine rpms decreased and the engine stopped producing power. He added that there were no indications from the engine or the engine gauges prior to the sudden power loss. During the forced landing to the field, the landing gear collapsed and partially separated from the fuselage. The lower wings, fuselage, and firewall were substantially damaged. An examination of the engine revealed that the left magneto was not producing spark. Further examination of the engine and related systems revealed no additional mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operations. The left magneto was placed on a test machine and brought to operating speed. Each of the four ignition leads produced spark; however, at times the spark was intermittent. Further examination of the magneto revealed a greyish color on the points, consistent with failure of the capacitor. The technician remarked that a magneto could test within expected parameters but when it got hot during normal engine operations, it could fail.