Lancair 360 | N510G

The DTSB determines the Probable Cause of this accident to be Pilot Error, in that the pilot approached the airport with a known electrical abnormal, and elected to circle the field while talking to Unicom on a back up hand held radio. The aircraft powerplant relied on an electrically generated ignition system, and while maneuvering over the airport, the pilot asked if his landing gear was down or not. The aircraft ultimately lost engine power and entered an immediate right hand turn, possibly for landing on the runway, whereupon the aircraft stalled and impacted in a nose low attitude.

The DTSB recommends that all pilots of all aircraft rehearse and conditions themselves for the proper handling of in flight electrical abnormals in aircraft that rely on electricity for flaps, landing gear, and engine ignition.