Coachella, CA, USA
N180RR
RUDOLPH RALPH MONROE STARLITE
During a local personal flight, the engine of the amateur-built airplane 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. Examination of the engine found that the rear connecting rod at the crankshaft journal was separated and exhibited severe heat distress signatures consistent with oil starvation to the bearing. The respective crankshaft journal displayed a dark black/blue coloration consistent with heat distress. The forward crankshaft journal and connecting rod remained undamaged.
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.
A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation to the rear crankshaft journal.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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