Pilot Debrief

THOMAS R WADE REVELATION near Ellisville, MS — 2014-12-13

Final reportERA15LA077
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Date
2014-12-13
Location
Ellisville, MS, USA
Airport
LUL
Aircraft
THOMAS R WADE REVELATION
Registration
N783QJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The failure of the uncertified engine's front connecting rod needle bearing, which resulted in damage to the front piston and a subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to operate the airplane with the uncertified engine over a town that had no suitable area to land.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, while in cruise flight over a town, the engine lost total power. During the forced landing to a cemetery, the airplane's left wing struck a tree, and the airplane then veered left and impacted a tombstone and nosed over. The pilot further reported that the fuel tank was about 3/4 full when the engine lost power. Examination of the engine revealed that the front connecting rod needle bearing had failed, which resulted in damage to the front piston and led to the loss of engine power. The engine manufacturer's instruction and maintenance manual warned that the engine was uncertified and that it was "subject to sudden failure." The manual further warned to "never use an aircraft fitted with this engine in areas, conditions and altitudes that may cause problems if forced to land as a result of sudden engine failure." The pilot should not have operated the airplane with the uncertified engine over a town that had no suitable place to land in the event of an engine failure.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different engine or aircraft with certified engine.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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