# NTSB WPR18CA028: Still Michael J Titan T-51, N651P, Chandler, AZ, October 28, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: October 28, 2017, 14:10 local (21:10 UTC) - Place: Chandler, AZ - Coordinates: 33.264167, -111.819999 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2642&lon=-111.8200&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-VFR pattern final: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report April 23, 2018 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: FAA-FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 96309 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR18CA028 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/96309/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96309 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18CA028 ## Probable cause The pilot's inadvertent contact with the engine control unit toggle switch during flight, which resulted in the engine shutting down. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01050000): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Unintentional use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Still Michael J TITAN T-51, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01050000/cases.md?model=05634U0), [All aircraft, 151 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01050000/cases.md) - [Action: incorrect action selection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Still Michael J TITAN T-51, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010/cases.md?model=05634U0), [All aircraft, 397 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041010/cases.md) - [Terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Still Michael J TITAN T-51, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000/cases.md?model=05634U0), [All aircraft, 267 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021000/cases.md) - [Ignition system: switching](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057430): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Design; cases with it: [Still Michael J TITAN T-51, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057430/cases.md?model=05634U0), [All aircraft, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057430/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-VFR pattern final: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341); cases with it: [Still Michael J TITAN T-51, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=05634U0), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Approach-VFR pattern final: Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120) (defining event); cases with it: [Still Michael J TITAN T-51, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120/sequence.md?model=05634U0), [All aircraft, 1,074 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/120/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that, while on final approach, after passing over the airport perimeter fence, the engine lost power. The airplane had a high descent rate, impacted the ground about 100 ft from the approach end of the runway, and slid to a stop about 3 ft from the runway threshold. Postaccident 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. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative The pilot reported that while on final approach, after passing over the airport perimeter fence, the engine lost power. The airplane had a high rate of descent, impacted the ground about 100 ft from the approach end of the runway, and slid to a stop about three feet from the runway threshold. During the postaccident examination, it was found 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 made contact with the engine control unit (ECU) toggle switch while he was positioning the flaps, which shut the engine down. Engine download data indicated that the ECU was turned off while on short final. The fuselage and inboard wing spar structure were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N651P](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N651P), registered now, S/N 055, built 2016 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: STILL MICHAEL J TITAN T-51 (NO SERIES) - Registry model: [Still Michael J TITAN T-51](https://openairdocs.org/model/still-michael-j-titan-t-51) (registry code 05634U0) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Suzuki G13BB](https://openairdocs.org/engine/suzuki-g13bb) (registry code 59305, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 055 - Year built: 2016 - Airframe hours: 27.4 - Engines: Suzuki V6 4L 186 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Michael J Still - Registered owner: Michael J Still - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: May 1, 2017 - Departed: FFZ, Mesa, AZ - Destination: CHD, Chandler, AZ - Airport: CHD, Chandler Municipal, runway 04L, 4,401 × 75 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Electronic multifunction display, Electronic primary flight display, Satellite tracking device, Stall warning system, ADS-B, Angle of attack indicator, Data recorder ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 73; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 14, 2017; seat: center; restraint: 5-point; flight hours: 649 total, 49 in this make and model, 573 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 27 °F - Altimeter: 29.85 inHg - Observed at: KCHD ## 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 20171028021989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20171028021989A), Oct 28, 2017: Still Michael TITAN T-51, Chandler, AZ, Substantial damage. Aircraft landed short of runway 4L. Engine data monitor shows a loss of engine power and within 2 seconds aircraft impacted ground. ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 15, 2018, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=96309. 2.6 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40460906&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Engine Data Log-Spreadsheet (item 2, .PDF, 74 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40460907&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Engine%20Data%20Log-Spreadsheet-Master.PDF - Photo Array (item 3, .PDF, 4 photos, 625 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40460908&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Array-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.