NTSB Accidents

Probable Cause: The pilot/builder’s modifications of the motorglider’s engine, which resulted in an excessively lean fuel air mixture, preignition, piston failure, and a subsequent total loss of engine power during the initial climb. Contributing to the outcome was the pilot’s failure to maintain airspeed and his exceedance of the motorglider’s critical angle of attack following the loss of engine power, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall/spin at an altitude too low to recover.

Probable Cause: An overstress fracture of the left main landing gear actuator, which resulted in the failure of the left main landing gear to fully extend and lock into place.

Probable Cause: The pilot and mechanic’s failure to identify and completely eliminate the water and debris contamination present in the airplane’s fuel system before embarking on the flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper repair of the oil sump, which resulted in a loss of oil pressure and collision with terrain during a precautionary landing.

Probable Cause: The failure of the nose oil seal to remain secure in the engine crankcase, which resulted in a loss of engine oil and partial loss of engine power.

Probable Cause: The pilot’s decision to take off with a quartering tailwind and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s improper elevator control inputs during takeoff.

Probable Cause: The flight instructor’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed during landing which resulted in a loss of directional control and runway excursion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot receiving instructions failure to maintain runway alignment.

Probable Cause: Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly secure the oil filter adapter when replacing the oil filter adapter gasket which resulted in the filter becoming loose, resulting in the loss of engine oil, and the subsequent total loss of engine power.