Pilot Debrief

HUMMEL / FINBERG ULTRA CRUISER near Canby, OR — 2010-08-21

Final reportWPR10LA419
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Date
2010-08-21
Location
Canby, OR, USA
Aircraft
HUMMEL / FINBERG ULTRA CRUISER
Registration
N524DF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to low cylinder compression.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was in cruise flight when the engine began to run rough and lose power. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost total power and the pilot maneuvered the airplane to a nearby field to perform a forced landing. Just before touchdown, the airplane collided with a barbed wire fence and subsequently landed hard. Examination and disassembly of the 2-cylinder engine revealed that the right and left cylinder intake valves were not properly seating with the cylinder heads when the valves were in the closed position. The pilot reported this condition would likely cause low cylinder compression and a loss of engine power. No other anomalies were noted with the engine.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have returned to the departure airport after engine began to run rough.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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