Pilot Debrief

COLUMBIA LC41 near Milsap, TX — 2010-12-24

Final reportCEN11IA146
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Date
2010-12-24
Location
Milsap, TX, USA
Airport
MWL
Aircraft
COLUMBIA LC41
Registration
N921DZ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power in flight due to a loss of engine oil for reasons that could not be determined during a postaccident teardown examination of the engine.

NTSB narrative

The airplane was climbing through about 9,000 feet mean sea level (msl) when the pilot noticed that the engine was not producing full power and that the engine oil pressure had dropped. The pilot declared an emergency and asked an air traffic controller for a descent and vectors for an instrument approach to a nearby airport. While descending through about 3,000 feet msl in instrument meteorological conditions, the “engine quit.” The airplane descended out of the clouds about 500 feet above ground level, the pilot made an engine-out landing in an open field, and the nose gear collapsed. A review of the airplane’s maintenance documents showed that the engine had recently been partially removed during replacement of the starter adapter. According to the airplane’s maintenance logbooks, the airplane was inspected after this maintenance activity, and a subsequent ground run of the engine was satisfactory, with no leaks noted. Further, the pilot reported that after the maintenance was completed, he flew the airplane twice and had no leaks and no problems. A postaccident teardown examination of the engine revealed a breach in the crankcase and several areas inside the engine that exhibited lubrication distress, thermal distress, and mechanical damage. The examination revealed no other preincident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the in-flight loss of engine oil could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after noticing engine power loss.

NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (partial) · Enroute-climb to cruise
  • Engine Failure Enroute

Evidence available

  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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