Engine Failure-N5841

Guest Discussion
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On January 8 N5841 had a complete loss of power at 2,500 feet about 5 miles north of Campbell field (C81) which is west of Waukegan, IL. They were able to land in a plowed field and had no damage except for tearing off the pitot tube. It was apparently something mechanical in the engine as it makes unusual noises when you turn it over with the starter. The prop was windmilling after the failure. The plane will be taken to Campbell and the engine will be sent to Continental to determine the cause of the failure. This was SR20 # 8 and had just reached 100 hours. It was delivered at the end of November.

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This is certainly important, if unwelcome, information. Thanks for providing it. On specific points:

They were able to land in a plowed field<

Does “they” imply an instructor on board? If I remember correctly this is the one going to a flight school/FBO. Certainly makes all those “OK, you’ve just lost power, where do you land” drills more compelling. Congrats to PIC.

It was apparently something mechanical in the engine as it makes unusual noises when you turn it over with the starter.<

I assume you mean after the failure, right? You’re not suggesting that they had heard anything unusual before that, correct?

Thanks, Jim F.

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Sure am glad it has a parachute!!!>On January 8 N5841 had a complete loss of power at 2,500 feet about 5 miles north of Campbell field (C81) which is west of Waukegan, IL. They were able to land in a plowed field and had no damage except for tearing off the pitot tube. It was apparently something mechanical in the engine as it makes unusual noises when you turn it over with the starter. The prop was windmilling after the failure. The plane will be taken to Campbell and the engine will be sent to Continental to determine the cause of the failure. This was SR20 # 8 and had just reached 100 hours. It was delivered at the end of November.

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A report on the incident can be found on AVWeb at http://www.avweb.com/newswire/news0002b.html#6

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One pilot was an instructor from Windy City Flyers.

They had noise cancelling headsets and heard nothing in flight but felt the drag from the engine losing power and all of the warning lights came on - no alternator - no vacuum etc.