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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 21, 2015 · Mooney M20K · N1168Z

Sheboygan, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 21, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Sheboygan, WI
Aircraft
Mooney M20K (1982)
Tail Number
N1168Z
Operator
James R Pawlak
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN15LA279

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot advised air traffic control that he was returning to the airport due to low oil pressure. The engine subsequently lost power, and the pilot was forced to land in a wheat field 5 miles south of the airport. During on-site examination of the airplane, no oil was found in the crankcase, and subsequent examination of the engine and turbocharger revealed that the turbocharger was dry. Further examination of the engine revealed evidence of preignition in the No. 5 cylinder that appeared to have been caused by failed spark plugs. The top and sides of the piston head were eroded, which allowed the exhaust gases caused by the preignition to pressurize the crankcase and force engine oil out of the breather tube.

NTSB Probable Cause

Oil starvation due to preignition in the No. 5 cylinder as a result of failed spark plugs; the top and sides of the piston head were eroded, which allowed the exhaust gases caused by the preignition to pressurize the crankcase and force engine oil out of the breather tube.

Full Narrative

On June 21, 2015, about 1130 central daylight time, the pilot of a Mooney M20K, N1168Z, made a forced landing in a wheat field 5 miles south of Sheboygan (KSBM), Wisconsin. The pilot, the sole occupant on board, was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed and activated. The flight originated from KSBM at 1113 and was destined for Elkhart (KEKM), Indiana.Shortly after airplane departed, the pilot advised he was returning to KSBM due to low oil pressure. The airplane lost engine power and the pilot made a forced landing in a wheat field five miles south of the airport. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness inspector who examined the airplane reported finding no oil in the crankcase. He reported the rear bulkhead was wrinkled and the empennage was twisted. On July 1, 2015, an FAA airworthiness inspector examined the engine and turbocharger. He reported the turbocharger was dry and did not appear to be at fault. On August 17, the FAA airworthiness inspector examined the engine again at a teardown facility in Poplar Grove, Wisconsin. He reported finding evidence of pre-ignition in the number 5 cylinder that appeared to have been caused by failed spark plugs. The top and sides of the piston head were eroded, allowing exhaust gases to pressurize the crankcase and force engine oil out of the breather tube.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CDT
Nearest AirportSheboygan County Mem (5nm S)
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftMooney M20K
Tail NumberN1168Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames R Pawlak
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · TSIO-520-MB · Reciprocating · 210
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 5 kt
Visibility1.8 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3100 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 66 F
Altimeter29.81 inHg
Observation Time16:33
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data