Accident Overview
On October 18, 2014, at approximately 1815 central daylight time, an experimental home-built Viguie Lancair Legacy, registration N550AC, was destroyed by fire after the pilot executed a forced landing in a field near Livingston, Texas. The pilot, who also owned and operated the aircraft, sustained serious injuries. The flight originated from Jasper County Airport (JAS) in Jasper, Texas, destined for a private airstrip in Buchanan Dam, Texas. A visual flight rules flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Witness Account
A witness in a pasture observed the aircraft flying with a rough-running engine and flames visible under the engine. The airplane performed a descending turn and prepared to land in a pasture across the road. As the witness moved to assist, a loud crunch was heard followed by a fireball. Upon reaching the field, the pilot was walking toward him.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported returning from an air race competition. About 15 minutes into the flight, after leveling at 8,500 feet, he heard a thump and initially thought he struck a bird. He notified air traffic control of his need to land. A second thump accompanied by rattle and vibration prompted him to select a forced landing site. During the approach, a third explosion occurred, and he observed fire near his left foot and black smoke filling the cockpit. He declared an emergency, secured the engine, unlatched the canopy, and made a forced landing. The landing was hard, causing the instrument panel to flex downward and trap his feet. After stopping, he realized his shirt was on fire and struggled to free his legs. He exited the burning wreckage and rolled on the ground to extinguish the flames. The witness then met him and stayed until help arrived.
Post-accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage. The aircraft landed hard, slid several hundred feet, and was consumed by fire. The propeller and engine cowling separated. On the engine, the #3 cylinder's intake rocker-cover and the aft rocker-arm bolt were missing; the exhaust rocker-cover was secured by only one screw. The missing parts were not found at the site. A subsequent engine examination under NTSB supervision on November 14, 2014, revealed fire and impact damage. The crankshaft could not be rotated due to damage. Two large holes were found in the crankcase above cylinders #2, #3, and #4. The #3 cylinder intake rocker-cover and aft rocker-arm bolt were missing; the forward bolt was loose. Rubbing damage was visible on the boss where the bolt was missing. The exhaust rocker-cover was attached only by its lower aft screw. The remaining rocker covers were intact and secure. The fuel metering unit was heat-damaged and partially melted; the throttle was at idle and mixture at cut-off. The fuel manifold's rubber diaphragm was destroyed by heat. All fuel nozzles except #5 (partially blocked) were blocked. The electronic Floscan fuel transducer and ignition system sustained extensive heat damage. Upon disassembly, connecting rods for cylinders #2, #3, and #4 were separated from their crankshaft journals. The oil sump and filter contained numerous metal particles. Main oil journals #1, #2, and #3 were dry and heat-discolored, consistent with oil starvation. Pistons #2 and #4 were stuck; #3 piston had heavy damage with most of the skirt broken away. Cylinders #5 and #6 exhibited light deposits. The pilot could not explain the condition of the #3 cylinder rocker components and stated the engine ran well during the race; he did not remove the cowling or perform work afterward. The aircraft logbooks were lost in the fire; the last condition inspection was on August 27, 2014, at 646.8 hours total engine time. According to Continental Motors, significant oil loss would occur within minutes without the rocker cover installed.