Pilot Debrief

Trojan TA16 near Ray, MI — 2022-06-02

Final reportCEN22LA251
Sign in to save
Date
2022-06-02
Location
Ray, MI, USA
Airport
57D
Aircraft
Trojan TA16
Registration
N36YR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A lack of lubrication and inadequate cooling, which resulted in internal damage to the engine and a subsequent total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot, who was the builder of the experimental, amateur-built airplane, reported that shortly after takeoff the engine surged rapidly three times and then lost total power. The pilot turned the airplane back toward the airport to try to land on the runway. While maneuvering toward the airport, the pilot attempted to restore engine power, but was not successful. Unable make the runway, the pilot performed a forced landing to a rough field, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. A postaccident examination of the engine found that the bearings connecting the piston arms to the crankshaft were seized and displayed signatures consistent with a lack of oil lubrication and cooling. Reviewed data stored in the electronic flight instrument system did not provide indications of an impending oil system malfunction. The pilot stated that he purchased the engine as a “firewall forward” package and speculated that the engine could have benefitted from the installation of a secondary oil cooler.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have considered additional oil cooling before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps