Pilot Debrief

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 near Aguila, AZ — 2018-06-19

Final reportWPR18LA174
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Date
2018-06-19
Location
Aguila, AZ, USA
Aircraft
CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22
Registration
N764CT
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to pre-ignition/detonation for reasons that could not be determined based on available information.

NTSB narrative

During a cross-country flight, the pilot observed a significant increase in the engine oil pressure followed by a sudden drop. He prepared for an emergency landing during which the engine speed increased and the engine lost power. The cabin then filled with smoke and oil covered the windshield. The pilot was able to activate the airplane’s parachute and the airplane landed about 5 seconds later in a ravine. The airplane was destroyed by a postcrash fire. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed evidence of a pre-ignition/detonation event that partially eroded the Nos. 2 and 5 pistons. The eroded pistons permitted the pressurization of the crankcase, which resulted in oil starvation of the engine. Due to the severe fire damage, the cause of the preignition/detonation could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Perform timely maintenance on magnetos to prevent engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 11 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents11

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