Pilot Debrief

Experimental Quad City Challenger near Northfield, NH — 2020-10-03

Final reportERA21LA008
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Date
2020-10-03
Location
Northfield, NH, USA
Aircraft
Experimental Quad City Challenger
Registration
N129AY
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation of the No. 1 cylinder. Contributing to the accident was the pinched No. 1 cylinder oil injection line.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, about 15 minutes into the flight, the experimental, amateur-built airplane’s engine “stopped” abruptly without any warning. He performed a forced landing in a hay field, and after landing, examined all engine systems and components. After finding no anomalies, the pilot decided to depart from the field. Shortly after takeoff, the engine again lost total power, and the pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Examination of the engine revealed damage to the No. 1 cylinder that was consistent with a lack of lubrication. Additionally, examination of the oil injection system revealed that the oil injection line to the No. 1 cylinder was pinched by the starter motor mounting flange. The pilot reported that he had performed maintenance in that area about 2 weeks prior and thought that the pinched oil line may have occurred during this maintenance.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked oil line after maintenance to prevent engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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