Pilot Debrief

RAUDENBUSH ERNIE LANCAIR SUPER ES near Winkelman, AZ — 2015-09-01

Final reportWPR15LA254
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Date
2015-09-01
Location
Winkelman, AZ, USA
Aircraft
RAUDENBUSH ERNIE LANCAIR SUPER ES
Registration
N74ES
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no anomalies.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot stated that, about 1 hour into the cross-country personal flight, he observed a "slight" loss of engine power and "fluctuating" engine exhaust gas temperature indications. Shortly thereafter, the engine experienced a significant loss of power, and the pilot subsequently chose to perform a forced landing to a rocky plateau, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage. Following the pilot's egress, the airplane was consumed by a postimpact fire. The engine was examined and disassembled following the accident, and it displayed significant thermal damage. No anomalies were observed that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted more thorough preflight engine checks.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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