Pilot Debrief

ENGINEERING & RESEARCH 415C near Corona, CA — 2009-07-11

Final reportWPR09LA337
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Date
2009-07-11
Location
Corona, CA, USA
Aircraft
ENGINEERING & RESEARCH 415C
Registration
N87295
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during cruise flight for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane's engine began to experience a degradation of power about 15 minutes after takeoff and he maneuvered the throttle to full power in an effort to recover the power loss. The engine rpm increased temporarily and then decreased again, with an eventual total loss of power. During the forced landing, the airplane collided with a house and had come to rest in a field 30 feet from the initial impact. The post accident investigation revealed several anomalies with the engine and modifications that were not in accordance with engine manufacturer's recommended maintenance practices. The owner/pilot reported that the airplane had undergone an annual inspection about eight months prior to the accident and had only flown a couple of hours since. At the conclusion of the examination, the exact cause of the engine failure could not be definitively identified.

Analysis

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

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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