Pilot Debrief

REPUBLIC RC3 near Post Oak, MO — 2016-08-30

Final reportCEN16LA355
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Date
2016-08-30
Location
Post Oak, MO, USA
Aircraft
REPUBLIC RC3
Registration
N6490K
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to low cylinder compression. Contributing to the loss of engine power was rust formation in the cylinders due to inactivity.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was conducting a local flight when the airplane's engine started to lose power. The pilot attempted a forced landing to a field; however, the airplane collided with trees. Examination of the airplane's engine noted that compression was low in all cylinders, and rust was present inside the cylinders. The airplane was not operated for about 4 years and had flown about 2 hours since being returned to service. The partial loss of engine power is consistent with a degradation in cylinder compression, and it is likely that rust formed in the engine during the time the airplane was not being used.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a precautionary landing before losing altitude.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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