2 Mar 2009: RUDOLPH RALPH MONROE STARLITE

2 Mar 2009: RUDOLPH RALPH MONROE STARLITE — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Coachella, CA, United States

Probable cause

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

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

During a local personal flight the engine 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.

The National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge examined the engine and found the rear connecting rod at the crankshaft journal was separated and exhibited severe heat distress signatures consistent with lubrication depravation. The respective crankshaft journal displayed a dark black/blue coloration consistent with heat distress. The forward crankshaft journal and connecting rod remained undamaged.

Contributing factors

  • cause Malfunction
  • cause Recip eng oil sys — Failure
  • Contributed to outcome

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 140/03kt, vis 10sm

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