The pilot stated that on his second flight in the Rans S-6ES, he completed some basic maneuvers without incident and returned to the airport in Ozark, Arkansas.
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 feet 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 hit the ground.
The pilot and passenger suffered minor injuries, but were able to get out of the airplane before it burst into flames.
The pilot provided a summary of his post-accident 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.
Probable Cause: Oil starvation of the propeller speed reduction unit, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
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This July 2023 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
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