Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power during cruise due to oil starvation.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that during the cross-country flight the engine lost power and he initiated a forced landing to a nearby road. During the landing roll, the airplane struck small cedar trees and sagebrush and nosed over. Disassembly and examination of the engine revealed that there was metal transfer from the pistons to cylinder walls. The pilot stated that the metal transfer from the piston to the cylinder walls indicated "galling and seizing of the engine" and felt that it was caused by a lack of oil or a previous overheat condition. No additional anomalies were noted with the engine.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 3, 2007, about 1030 mountain standard time, an amateur-built experimental-category Vance Renegade airplane, N35JV, sustained substantial damage following an in-flight loss of engine power and subsequent off airport forced landing near Blanding, Utah. The airplane was owned by the pilot, and operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The cross-country flight originated from Farmington, New Mexico, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to the accident with the intended destination of Blanding. In a written statement, the pilot reported that during the cross-country flight, he switched from the left fuel tank to the right fuel tank about one hour into the flight. About 15 minutes later, the engine lost power and he initiated a forced landing to a nearby dirt road. The airplane struck small cedar trees and sagebrush during the landing and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. Examination of the engine, by the pilot, revealed that there was metal transfer from the pistons to cylinder walls on all four cylinders. The pilot stated that the metal transfer from the piston to the cylinder walls indicated "galling and seizing of the engine" and felt that it was caused by a lack of oil or a previous overheat condition. No additional anomalies were noted with the engine.