Pilot Debrief

MKII Corporation Lancair Legacy 2000 near Bend, OR — 2008-06-09

Final reportLAX08LA168
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Date
2008-06-09
Location
Bend, OR, USA
Airport
KBDN
Aircraft
MKII Corporation Lancair Legacy 2000
Registration
N199L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the Number 3 cylinder connecting rod.

NTSB narrative

While at 9,000 feet, the engine lost oil pressure, suddenly oversped (3,560 rpm), and lost power. The pilot made a dead-stick approach to a nearby runway. During the landing flare the airplane's main landing gear impacted a trench and sheared off just short of the runway. The airplane slid down the runway on its nose gear, main mount struts, and tail. The airplane then veered off to the right and departed the runway. Examination of the engine revealed a 4- to 5-inch diameter hole in the top of the engine case above the No. 3 cylinder. Further examination revealed that the No. 3 connecting rod of the engine had failed due to fatigue just below the wrist pin. The loose end of the connecting rod produced metal shavings that obstructed the oil pickup tube as the crankshaft continued to rotate. The blocked tube led to oil starvation, propeller overspeed, and catastrophic engine failure. Material Laboratory testing revealed that the connecting rod fatigue fracture was located in a decarburized region of the rod. The engine manufacturer could not identify the connecting rod as a component supplied by them.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have diverted earlier after initial engine issues at 1606.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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