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Engine Failure During Cross-Country Flight Leads to Power Line Strike (N111DR)

Fort Lupton, CO, US

On June 19, 1994, a Riley, Donald RUTAN VARIEZE (registration N111DR) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Lupton, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Oil sump contamination by a paper towel-like material, which plugged the oil pickup and caused oil starvation; the material was likely introduced during recent cylinder maintenance. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a cross-country flight, engine power loss led to a forced landing, during which the aircraft struck power lines. Investigation found oil sump contamination by a paper towel-like material that caused oil starvation, likely introduced during recent maintenance.

Incident Summary

While on a cross-country flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. The pilot conducted a forced landing, but during the approach, the aircraft struck power lines.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the engine revealed contamination in the oil sump. A piece of material resembling a paper towel was found obstructing the oil pickup, leading to oil starvation. Evidence indicated that this material may have been introduced into the engine during maintenance performed on a cylinder shortly before the flight departed.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the engine failure was oil sump contamination by a paper towel-like material, which plugged the oil pickup and caused oil starvation. The material was likely introduced during recent cylinder maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jun 1994 Riley, Donald RUTAN VARIEZE accident near Fort Lupton, CO?

During a cross-country flight, engine power loss led to a forced landing, during which the aircraft struck power lines. Investigation found oil sump contamination by a paper towel-like material that caused oil starvation, likely introduced during recent maintenance.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jun 1994 involved a Riley, Donald RUTAN VARIEZE, registration N111DR, at Fort Lupton, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Oil sump contamination by a paper towel-like material, which plugged the oil pickup and caused oil starvation; the material was likely introduced during recent cylinder maintenance.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01535. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.