De Havilland Vampire MK-3 N6878D accident near Rochester, New York

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to oil starvation.

NTSB analysis

While en-route to his destination, as the airplane climbed through 3,500 feet, the pilot heard a noise coming from the engine and initiated a return to his departure airport. The noise "got louder," and the pilot felt the airplane vibrate during the return. While on final approach for the runway, the engine lost total power. The pilot then retracted the landing gear and prepared for a forced landing to the grass adjacent to the runway. During the landing, the airplane struck a berm, substantially damaging the fuselage. Examination of the engine revealed the oil quantity in the oil sump was less than 2 tablespoons, and no oil was observed in the surrounding area of the engine compartment. The rear bearing in the "hot section" of the turbojet engine exhibited significant scoring, metal fatigue, and erosion. The bearing was completely fused and unable to be rotated.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA324 for the full record.