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NTSB Report
March 2, 2009 · Rudolph Ralph Monroe Starlite · N180RR
Coachella, CA
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 2, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Coachella, CA
Aircraft
Rudolph Ralph Monroe Starlite
Tail Number
N180RR
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA137
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.
NTSB Probable Cause
Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Eng oil sys (airframe furnish)-(general)-Malfunction - C
Full Narrative
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.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftRudolph Ralph Monroe Starlite
Tail NumberN180RR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsBombardier · ROTAX 447 · Reciprocating · 40
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:52
Weather SourceWFAC