Pilot Debrief

STODDARD HAMILTON GLASAIR II near Darby, MT — 2021-05-29

Final reportWPR21LA219
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Date
2021-05-29
Location
Darby, MT, USA
Airport
K4U7
Aircraft
STODDARD HAMILTON GLASAIR II
Registration
N8176J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s impact with terrain during a go-around following an attempted precautionary landing due to a low oil pressure indication. The reason for the low oil pressure indication could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was conducting a local flight with a passenger when he received a low oil pressure warning, and he decided to perform a precautionary landing to a nearby grass runway. While on final approach for landing, the pilot determined that the airplane was high and fast, and he attempted to slip to slow the airplane and descend quickly, but about halfway down the runway, chose to go around and began a turn to land in the other direction. About three-quarters of the way through the turn, the pilot “felt the airplane begin to stall.” He pushed the nose down and the airplane contacted the ground in a left-wing-low, nose-down attitude. The automotive conversion engine was rotated by hand after removal of the flywheel dampener plate. About 2 quarts of oil was drained from the engine. Examination of the crankshaft and connecting rods revealed no anomalies. The oil filter and adapter were removed, and black RTV sealant was noted around the base of the filter adapter. The oil filter element was inspected and found to contain a sliver of black RTV material; however, based on the available information, the reason for the low oil pressure indication could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for an earlier landing instead of attempting a go-around.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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