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July 22, 2020 · Vans RV4 Undesignat · N54WP

Idabel, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 22, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Idabel, OK
Aircraft
Vans RV4 Undesignat (2009)
Tail Number
N54WP
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20LA301

After a full stop landing to refuel on a cross-country flight in the experimental airplane, the pilot noticed a chaffed oil line leading to the propeller governor. The pilot, with assistance from a local mechanic, removed the damaged oil line and replaced it with a used serviceable line. The pilot pre-flighted the airplane, took off, and continued his flight. About 70 minutes into the flight, the pilot observed oil on the windscreen. As the pilot maneuvered for a precautionary landing at a nearby airport, the engine stopped producing power. About 1/2 mile from the airport, the pilot attempted to land on a roadway. The airplane impacted power lines and the ground. The pilot stated that he could not see the power lines through the oil-covered windscreen. The airplane came to rest in a ditch adjacent to the roadway, resulting in structural damage to the fuselage and empennage. Examination of the airplane and engine after the accident revealed a crack in the oil line leading to the propeller governor from its connection at the engine case. There was no clamp installed to secure the line. A conditional airworthiness inspection had recently been completed on the experimental airplane. According to Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive (AD) 90-04-06R1, a clamp should have been installed on the oil line leading to the propeller governor. The pilot reported that when he replaced the oil line, there was no clamp present, so he did not install a clamp and was not aware of the applicable AD. He stated that had he been aware of the AD, he would have installed a new oil line and clamp. The available evidence indicates that the pilot’s improper installation of the oil line resulted in the in-flight loss of oil and subsequent total loss of engine power.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper installation of an oil line, resulting in the loss of oil and subsequent total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On July 22, 2020, about 1745 central daylight time, a Vans RV4, N54WP, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Idabel, Oklahoma. The airline transport pilot and a child passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he was on a multi-leg cross-country flight. On a planned refueling stop at Kennett Memorial Airport (TKX), Kennett, Missouri, the pilot noticed an oil leak coming from a chaffed oil line leading to the propeller governor. The pilot, with assistance from a local fixed base operator mechanic, removed the damaged oil line and replaced the line with a used serviceable oil line. After the installation and preflight, the pilot took off and climbed to 5,500 ft mean sea level, en route to his destination. About 70 minutes later, the pilot smelled something and observed oil on the windscreen. The pilot asked air traffic control for the nearest airport, which was about 11-miles away. As the pilot was maneuvering to the airport to land, the engine stopped producing power. About 1/2 mile from the airport, about 70 ft above the ground, the pilot attempted to maneuver the airplane to land on a roadway. The airplane impacted power lines and the ground. The pilot stated that he could not see the power lines through the oil-covered windscreen. The airplane came to rest in a ditch adjacent to the roadway, resulting in structural damage to the fuselage and empennage. Both occupants exited the airplane uninjured. Examination of the engine after the accident revealed a crack in the oil line leading to the propeller governor from its connection at the engine case. There was no clamp installed to secure the line. The experimental airplane had a conditional airworthiness inspection on May 1, 2020. According to Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive (AD) 90-04-06R1, a clamp should have been installed on the oil line leading to the propeller governor. The pilot reported that when he replaced the oil line at TKX, there was no clamp present, so he did not install a clamp and was not aware of the applicable AD. He also reported that had he been aware of the AD, he would have installed a new oil line and clamp.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:45 CDT
Nearest AirportMccurtain County Airport (1nm N)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftVans RV4 Undesignat
Tail NumberN54WP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycpming · IO 360 EXP · Reciprocating · 189
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · First Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time22:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data