Pilot Debrief

VANS RV10 near Chouteau, OK — 2023-07-21

Final reportCEN23LA327
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Date
2023-07-21
Location
Chouteau, OK, USA
Aircraft
VANS RV10
Registration
N730WL
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power as a result of a failed positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve and a subsequent impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The amateur-built experimental airplane was in cruise flight when the pilot noticed that a red warning light in the cockpit was illuminated. The “oil pressure gauge” was “pegged” at 320°F. The pilot immediately reduced engine power and initiated a glide profile to “take all the load off the engine” so it could cool down. While setting up for the approach to land at the closest airport, the engine “seized up” and sustained a total loss of power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a flat grass field. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. Postaccident examination of the experimental automotive engine revealed that the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve had failed. The pilot reported that the failed PCV valve caused the engine to suck “too much oil” out of the crankcase and into the intake section. He additionally reported that over the “long slow climb” to the cruise altitude of 6,000 ft, this caused the oil level to get “too low,” eventually causing the oil to overheat, and that once the oil overheated, the engine then stopped operating.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have landed sooner after noticing oil pressure issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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