Pilot Debrief

Lancair LC41 near Cleburne, TX — 2019-05-30

Final reportCEN19LA159
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Date
2019-05-30
Location
Cleburne, TX, USA
Aircraft
Lancair LC41
Registration
N2514F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation as the result of the oil pressure switch failure due to a manufacturing defect.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed on a maintenance test flight in the airplane to break in an engine cylinder, which had just been replaced. During the flight, the pilot noticed an oil pressure warning light illuminate, followed by a low oil temperature indication. The pilot attempted to divert to a nearby airport; however, the engine experienced a total loss of power, and he conducted a forced landing, during which the wings sustained substantial damage. Examination of the airplane revealed a hole in the engine case above the No. 4 cylinder. Further examination revealed that the engine oil pressure switch had separated into two pieces . A detailed examination of the switch found that it had failed at a manufacturing swaged joint between its threaded section and cap piece. Therefore, it is likely that the swaging process was insufficient during manufacture. The broken switch allowed engine oil to escape the system, resulting in oil starvation and failure of the No. 4 cylinder.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after oil pressure warning light illuminated.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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