Amateur-built Quad City Challenger N129AY accident near Northfield, New Hampshire

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation of the No. 1 cylinder. Contributing to the accident was the pinched No. 1 cylinder oil injection line.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot, about 15 minutes into the flight, the amateur-built, amateur-built airplane’s engine “stopped” abruptly without any warning. He performed a forced landing in a hay field, and after landing, examined all engine systems and components. After finding no anomalies, the pilot decided to depart from the field. Shortly after takeoff, the engine again lost total power, and the pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage. Examination of the engine revealed damage to the No. 1 cylinder that was consistent with a lack of lubrication. Additionally, examination of the oil injection system revealed that the oil injection line to the No. 1 cylinder was pinched by the starter motor mounting flange. The pilot reported that he had performed maintenance in that area about 2 weeks prior and thought that the pinched oil line may have occurred during this maintenance.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA008 for the full record.