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NTSB Report

September 30, 1998 · Mayala Dragonfly · N4478V

Avon, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 30, 1998
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Avon, MT
Aircraft
Mayala Dragonfly
Tail Number
N4478V
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
SEA98LA192

The pilot-in-command/owner of the homebuilt Volkswagen-engine powered Dragonfly departed Helena, Montana, uneventfully. After approximately 30 minutes of flight he observed the engine oil pressure decrease to zero in less than two minutes with a concurrent increase in oil temperature. He then executed a forced landing in a rough pasture during which the aircraft bounced and then cartwheeled. Post-crash examination revealed oil on the aircraft's firewall and underside. Further examination revealed that the engine rear crankshaft seal was deformed and the neoprene gasket was missing.

NTSB Probable Cause

Failure of the engine crankshaft aft oil seal resulting in the loss of engine oil, and rough terrain during the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On September 30, 1998, approximately 0945 mountain daylight time, a homebuilt Mayala Dragonfly, N4478V, registered to and being flown by a private pilot, was destroyed during an emergency landing approximately one mile north of Avon, Montana. The pilot sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91, and originated from the Helena Regional airport, Helena, Montana, approximately 0915. The pilot reported that the takeoff, climb-out and level off were normal but that "about 25 min[utes] into [the] flight, [the] oil pressure started down. It went to zero in a minute or 2" and that "the oil temp went up." The pilot initially evaluated and then discarded landing on highway 2 due to numerous vehicles and multiple wires crossing the highway. He then maneuvered to land on highway 141 but determined that once again power lines interfered with a landing along with a curve in the highway. He then elected to land in a pasture. The pilot reported that the pasture was rough, and that during touch-down "the right main hit a (hole, ditch?) bounced up & the canard (left) hit the ground & started the craft to cartwheel" (refer to CHART I). On site examination by an FAA inspector revealed a considerable amount of oil on the aircraft's belly, but little if any on the windscreen. The firewall was covered with oil, and the engine sump oil drain plug was observed in place. The pilot/owner reported that the aircraft's Volkswagen engine rear crankshaft seal "chunked and rolled up," that the "neoprene part [was] gone," and that "all [the] oil [was] pumped out during the 30 min[ute] flight."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMayala Dragonfly
Tail NumberN4478V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsVolkswagen · Reciprocating · 70
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 4000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data