# NTSB CHI93LA256: Quad City Challenger II Specia, N415JR, Ottawa, IL, July 13, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 12, 1993, 19:07 local (Jul 13, 1993, 00:07 UTC)
- Place: Ottawa, IL
- Coordinates: 41.349941, -88.829605 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3499&lon=-88.8296&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 15, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15757
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA256
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15757/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA256

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN PROPER CLEARANCE.  FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT INCLUDE AN OIL FOULED SPARK PLUG AND A POWER GROUND CABLE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - ignition system,spark plug - fouled (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - ditch

## Analysis

APPROXIMATELY THREE MILES NORTH OF OTTAWA AIRPORT, THE AIRCRAFT'S ENGINE DROPPED TO PARTIAL POWER.  THE PILOT ELECTED TO MAKE AN OFF-AIRPORT LANDING ON AN EAST-WEST BITUMINOUS SURFACED ROAD. DURING LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A POWER GROUND CABLE WHICH SNAPPED AND PULLED THE PLANE TO THE SOUTH DITCH OF THE ROADWAY.  INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE FOUND THE FRONT SPARK PLUG OIL FOULED, CAUSING PARTIAL POWER LOSS.  THE SPARK PLUG WAS CLEANED OF OIL AND THE ENGINE WAS TEST RUN IN THE AIRCRAFT WITH NO FURTHER ENGINE PROBLEMS NOTED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N415JR (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: QUAD CITY AIRCRAFT CHALLENGER II SPECIA (CHALLENGER)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: CW0418
- Engines: ROTAX 503 52 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Jean A. Pinnell
- Registered owner: Jean A. Pinnell
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, unknown; seat: front; flight hours: 120 total, 50 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Not reported
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19930712025899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930712025899A), Jul 12, 1993: Amtrqc CHALLENGER2, Ottawa, IL, Substantial damage. Lost partial power. Landing on a road hit powerline and ditch. Front spark plug oil fouled. Just out of storage.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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