Pilot Debrief

ERCOUPE 415 near Saint Martin Island, MI — 2015-07-18

Final reportCEN15LA346
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Date
2015-07-18
Location
Saint Martin Island, MI, USA
Aircraft
ERCOUPE 415
Registration
CFGGS
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The failure of a connecting rod bearing, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was conducting a cross-country flight in a single-engine airplane when the engine lost oil pressure. Shortly after, the engine lost power and seized. The pilot then made a forced landing on a beach. Examination of the engine revealed that the No. 1 connecting rod bearing had failed and that the camshaft had seized and was broken. The camshaft seizure was consistent with a loss of oil pressure due to the No. 1 connecting rod bearing failure.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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