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July 12, 2022 · Zenith Zodiac 650B · N452VC

Eufaula, OK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 12, 2022
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Eufaula, OK
Aircraft
Zenith Zodiac 650B (2015)
Tail Number
N452VC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN22LA315

According to the pilots, who were both owners and builders of the airplane, while maneuvering during a local flight, the engine began to run rough. The engine power continued to decrease until they could not maintain altitude. Unable to reach a nearby airport, the pilot flying elected to perform an off-airport emergency landing. During the landing, the airplane impacted uneven terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed the No. 5 cylinder exhaust valve rocker arm attach stud/bolt had failed. About 5 flight hours before the accident, the owners had replaced the No. 5 cylinder exhaust valve, which included the removal and reinstallation of the rocker arm hardware. The push rod contained an oil passage hole on one end that allowed for lubrication of the rocker arm, and the other end did not contain an oil passage. According to the owner, during the installation he incorrectly installed the push rod in a backward position. The incorrect installation did not allow lubrication to reach the rocker arm, causing it to fail.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-Recip eng cyl section-Incorrect service/maintenance

Full Narrative

On July 12, 2022, about 1000 central daylight time, a Zenith 650B airplane, N452VC, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Eufaula, Oklahoma. The pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilots, who were both owners and builders of the airplane, while maneuvering during a local flight to adjust the airplane’s autopilot, the engine began to run rough. The engine power continued to decrease until they could not maintain altitude. Unable to make a nearby airport, the pilot flying elected to perform an off-airport emergency landing. During the landing, the airplane impacted uneven terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination of the Corvair conversion engine revealed the No. 5 cylinder exhaust valve rocker arm attach stud/bolt had failed (see Figure). No. 5 cylinder valve components (Photograph provided by the Federal Aviation Administration) About 5 flight hours before the accident, the owners had replaced the No. 5 cylinder exhaust valve, which included the removal and reinstallation of the rocker arm hardware. The push rod contained an oil passage hole on one end that allowed for lubrication of the rocker arm, and the other end did not contain an oil passage. According to the owner, during the installation he incorrectly installed the push rod in a backward position.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftZenith Zodiac 650B
Tail NumberN452VC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsWestedt · Corvair Conve · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 74 · Sprt · None
Crew 2Sprt · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time10:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data