Pilot Debrief

RUDOLPH RALPH MONROE STARLITE near Coachella, CA — 2009-03-02

Final reportWPR09CA137
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Date
2009-03-02
Location
Coachella, CA, USA
Aircraft
RUDOLPH RALPH MONROE STARLITE
Registration
N180RR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation to the rear crankshaft journal.

NTSB narrative

During a local personal flight, the engine of the amateur-built airplane lost power without warning. The pilot looked for a field to land in, but overshot the field and impacted desert terrain. During the crash sequence, the aircraft sustained substantial damage to both of the wings, the landing gear, and the firewall. Examination of the engine found that the rear connecting rod at the crankshaft journal was separated and exhibited severe heat distress signatures consistent with oil starvation to the bearing. The respective crankshaft journal displayed a dark black/blue coloration consistent with heat distress. The forward crankshaft journal and connecting rod remained undamaged.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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