Pilot Debrief

Holmes Arthur Orman Kitfox IV near Burkesville, KY — 2008-07-17

Final reportNYC08LA251
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Date
2008-07-17
Location
Burkesville, KY, USA
Aircraft
Holmes Arthur Orman Kitfox IV
Registration
N70694
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to the installation of an engine oil filter that did not meet the engine manufacture's specifications.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while the airplane was in cruise flight, he heard a "loud bang" and the "engine stopped." He then aligned the airplane with a road to perform an off-airport emergency landing. While on short final, he identified powerlines which required him to trade airspeed for altitude. After clearing the powerlines, the airplane touched down hard on the road causing substantial damage to the fuselage. An external examination of the non-certificated engine revealed a hole in the front of the engine case as well as a crack in the No. 2 cylinder. Oil was found in the oil reservoir, and was measurable on the engine oil dipstick; however, installed on the engine was an oil filter that did not meet the engine manufacture's specifications. It did not properly fit the engine oil filter mount, and lacked critical features needed to ensure normal engine operation such as a bypass valve, pressure release of the bypass valve, an anti-drain back valve, and the proper amount of filter matting.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine and oil system before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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