Amateur-built SPECIAL N4760R accident near Ste. Genevieve, Missouri

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during a low level maneuver due to oil starvation for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examination.

NTSB analysis

The pilot flew his amateur-built airplane on a local flight, after which he returned to the departure airport and performed a low approach down the departure runway. At midfield, the pilot applied full power, started a climb, and the engine began to lose power. The pilot indicated that he pushed the control yoke forward to begin a descent when the airplane was about 50 feet above ground level and started a right turn to return to the runway. The airplane descended and impacted a cornfield near the runway threshold. The airplane nosed over during the contact with the corn and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the wings. The loss of engine power was due to a loss of oil; however, the reason for the loss of oil could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN12LA637 for the full record.