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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 29, 2023 · Rans S-6ES · N123TG

Ozark, AR

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 29, 2023
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Ozark, AR
Aircraft
Rans S-6ES (1991)
Tail Number
N123TG
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CEN23LA338

The pilot stated that on his second flight in the airplane, he completed some basic maneuvers without incident and returned to the airport. Shortly after, he and a passenger boarded for a local flight. The pilot completed an engine run up with no anomalies noted, and then departed from the grass runway. About 70 ft above ground level he felt a vibration and was unable to maintain altitude. The engine RPM and oil pressure decreased as the airspeed slowed. The airplane collided with trees and then impacted the ground. The pilot and passenger egressed without incident, then the airplane burst into flames. The passenger recorded a video of the entire accident flight. The video revealed that during the initial climb, the engine RPM and sound appeared to gradually decrease. The airplane did not continue to climb, and the engine RPM continued to decrease. The airplane collided with a tree and then impacted the ground. A postaccident photo from the pilot showed the airplane was mostly consumed by the fire. The pilot provided a summary of his postaccident engine examination, which revealed that the oil supply line to the propeller speed reduction unit was completely clogged with an unknown gray material. Also, the gear reduction drive was seized, lacked oil, and the bearings were covered in a dry, rusty powder. It is likely that the loss of engine power was due to oil starvation of the propeller speed reduction unit.

NTSB Probable Cause

Oil starvation of the propeller speed reduction unit which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that on his second flight in the airplane, he completed some basic maneuvers without incident and returned to the airport. Shortly after, he and a passenger boarded for a local flight. The pilot completed an engine run up with no anomalies noted, and then departed from the grass runway. About 70 ft above ground level he felt a vibration and was unable to maintain altitude. The engine RPM and oil pressure decreased as the airspeed slowed. The airplane collided with trees and then impacted the ground. The pilot and passenger egressed without incident, then the airplane burst into flames. The passenger recorded a video of the entire accident flight. The video revealed that during the initial climb, the engine RPM and sound appeared to gradually decrease. The airplane did not continue to climb, and the engine RPM continued to decrease. The airplane collided with a tree and then impacted the ground. A postaccident photo from the pilot showed the airplane was mostly consumed by the fire. The pilot provided a summary of his postaccident engine examination, which revealed that the oil supply line to the propeller speed reduction unit was completely clogged with an unknown gray material. Also, the gear reduction drive was seized, lacked oil, and the bearings were covered in a dry, rusty powder. It is likely that the loss of engine power was due to oil starvation of the propeller speed reduction unit.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 CDT
Nearest AirportEtna Airport (0.2nm E)
Runway9
Runway Length2130 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionUnknown

Aircraft

AircraftRans S-6ES
Tail NumberN123TG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsRam Performance Subaru · E81 · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 59 · Basc · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data