Synopsis
On December 8, 2011, about 1530 eastern standard time, a Curtiss Wright P40M airplane, registration N5813, impacted a fence during a forced landing and a runway excursion at Clermont County Airport (I69). The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane, registered to and operated by the Tri-State Warbird Museum under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, sustained substantial damage to both wings and the horizontal stabilizer. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was not operated on a flight plan. The local flight had originated from I69 about 1440.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The World War II era airplane was recently restored and had accumulated approximately 5 hours since being returned to airworthy condition. It was originally manufactured in May 1943.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported completing maneuvers in the local area before the accident. While returning to the airport, the engine shuddered several times and oil pressure dropped to zero. Approximately 20 seconds later, the engine failed completely. At that time, the windshield and canopy were covered with oil and coolant, restricting forward visibility. The pilot executed a forced landing to the airport but was unable to stop on the available runway. The airplane departed the end of the runway and struck the airport perimeter fence.
Postaccident Inspection
A postaccident inspection revealed a crack in the engine oil cooler adjacent to a thermostatic bypass valve. The oil cooler was an original World War II era component. The crack did not appear to have initiated at a previously repaired area.