Pilot Debrief

PARKS RICHARD A STARDUSTER SA 100 near Southfields, NY — 2017-09-15

Final reportERA17LA338
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Date
2017-09-15
Location
Southfields, NY, USA
Aircraft
PARKS RICHARD A STARDUSTER SA 100
Registration
N1356W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A loose oil line that allowed oil to drip on the exhaust system, which resulted in smoke during cruise flight and a subsequent precautionary landing.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was conducting a cross-country, personal flight. He reported that, while approaching the destination airport at a cruise altitude of 2,500 ft mean sea level, he noticed smoke coming from the engine cowling. Concerned that there was a fire, he decided to immediately land the airplane in an open field. During touchdown, the airplane impacted 5-ft-tall grass and immediately cartwheeled. Postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed that there was a loose oil line fitting at the oil cooler and that oil was dripping on the exhaust system, which likely resulted in the smoke the pilot saw before initiating the precautionary landing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to land at a different location with better landing conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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