Primary finding
Probable cause
an engine failure from oil exhaustion due to a leak in the oil line.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After flying 20 minutes on a planned 30-minute flight, the pilot experienced a loss of engine oil and subsequent engine seizure. The pilot made a forced landing in desert terrain and the airplane collided with trees. The pilot reported evidence of a leaking oil line.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 30, 1996, at 1330 hours Pacific standard time, a Russman/Laughlin, Avid Flyer, N5439V, experienced a total loss of engine power during cruise flight between 8 and 9 miles west of Searchlight, Nevada. The airline transport pilot made a forced landing in desert terrain and collided with trees. The experimental homebuilt airplane was substantially damaged, and the pilot received minor injuries. The passenger was not reported as injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the personal flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Jean, Nevada, on the day of the accident at 1300. In the pilot's completed "Aircraft Accident Report," NTSB Form 6120.1/2, he indicated that about 20 minutes into the planned 30-minute-long flight, his airplane's engine seized due to oil starvation. The pilot reported that prior to taking off he had added oil to the engine and believed that it contained sufficient oil to make the flight. The pilot further indicated that evidence was subsequently found of a leak from an oil line. -