Accident Overview
On December 19, 2020, at about 1430 central standard time, a Sonex light sport airplane, registration N935EK, was substantially damaged when it crashed near Burleson, Texas. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Witness and Flight History
A witness reported that the airplane had been built as a kit and that this was its first flight. However, the airplane’s hour meter showed 213.9 hours, which was inconsistent with that claim.
Communication with Air Traffic Control
According to air traffic control records, the pilot initially contacted the Spinks Airport (FWS) controller and requested to orbit the airport for 30 minutes at 3,500 ft. Shortly after departure, the controller asked if the pilot needed assistance. The pilot reported that he was unable to climb and needed to return to the airport. The controller cleared the pilot to land on runway 35. The pilot then stated that he had a “sick engine” and was “just trying to make the field.” The controller also reported that smoke appeared to be coming from the engine.
Flight Path and Accident Sequence
ADS-B data showed that the airplane departed from FWS, turned south for about 2 miles, then turned north back toward the airport. During the forced landing, the airplane struck powerlines and terrain, coming to rest inverted near a business about 1 mile south of the airport.
Engine Examination
An examination of the engine revealed a light film of oil on the underside of the fuselage. No evidence of an inflight fire was observed. Visual inspection did not show any obvious discrepancies or avenues for oil loss. Attempting to rotate the engine by hand showed that the engine was seized. The engine was equipped with a remote oil filter mounted on the firewall, with two oil lines connecting the filter adapter to the engine’s oil pump. The oil filter was cut open and contained small, fine metal pieces and powder in the oil and on the filter element. Small metal pieces were also visible in the oil filter port, and oil was present on the dipstick. The engine was not disassembled further, so the source of the metal filings was not determined.
Engine Monitoring System
The airplane was equipped with a Dynon EMS D10 engine monitoring system, but the recorded data did not contain any information that could be correlated to the accident flight.