On 15 October 2015, the pilot of an experimental, amateur-built Titan Tornado aircraft, registered N4070F, departed Warrenton-Fauquier Airport, Virginia, United States on a private flight through the local region. Approximately 40 minutes into the flight on the return leg to the departure airport, the aircraft sustained a total engine power loss, which required a forced landing onto a roadway near Mitchells, Virginia. The aircraft was substantially damaged during the landing however, the pilot was not injured.
As the accident occurred in the United States, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was responsible for investigating this accident. As part of its investigation, the NTSB notified the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) as the State of Manufacture of the engine. In accordance with clause 5.18 of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the ATSB appointed an Accredited Representative to assist the NTSB liaise with the engine manufacturer and initiated an investigation under the Australian Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003.
The ATSB has concluded its Accredited Representative support to the NTSB investigation, case number ERA16LA016. The NTSB is finalising its investigation report which can be found at www.ntsb.gov.
Any enquiries regarding the investigation and report should, in the first instance, be directed to the NTSB.