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October 7, 2012 · Mueller Michael Walter Challenger II CW SPC · N530MW

Sandwich, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
October 7, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sandwich, IL
Aircraft
Mueller Michael Walter Challenger II CW SPC
Tail Number
N530MW
Operator
Donald F Myers Jr
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
CEN13IA008

According to the pilot, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power after takeoff, and he subsequently executed a forced landing. Examination of the engine revealed that the power takeoff lower rod bearing had failed due to corrosion, damaging the piston and head. A low usage pattern for the engine combined with a failure to follow the engine manufacturer’s recommended preservation instructions led to significant corrosion in the engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power due to significant engine corrosion. Contributing to the accident was inadequate engine maintenance.

Full Narrative

On October 7, 2012, about 1430 central daylight time, a Challenger II CW Experimental, N530MW, owned and operated by the pilot, sustained minor damage during a forced landing near Sandwich, Illinois. The certificated private pilot was not injured. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. According to pilot testimony, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power after initial takeoff from Woodlake Landing Airport (IS65). The pilot conducted a forced landing into a cornfield off the departure end of the runway. The airplane was equipped with a Rotax 503 engine, serial number M5555721. This 2-stroke, 2-cylinder in-line engine is utilized with experimental, uncertificated aircraft and is no longer in production. Examination of the engine revealed a failure of the power takeoff lower rod bearing due to corrosion. Debris from the lower rod bearing transferred through the transfer port to the top of the piston, damaging the piston and head. In addition, oil leaks around the cylinder head gasket were observed, as well as corrosion on two of the four cylinder head bolts, with one cylinder head bolt absent. The engine was operated infrequently, accumulating a total of 163 hours over a nine year period. The owner had recently purchased the airplane and operated the engine for approximately four hours. The Rotax operations manual directs short and long term engine preservation instructions and the maintenance schedule directs an engine overhaul at 300 hours or five years, whichever comes first. According to the mechanic who performed the examination, the engine overhaul and preservation instructions were not accomplished.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time14:30 CDT
Nearest AirportWoodlake Landing/Sandwich (1nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMueller Michael Walter Challenger II CW SPC
Tail NumberN530MW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorDonald F Myers Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRotax · 503 · Reciprocating · 52
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 21 C
Altimeter30.17 inHg
Observation Time18:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data