Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation to the rear crankshaft journal.
NTSB analysis
During a local personal flight, the engine of the amateur-built airplane lost power without warning. The pilot looked for a field to land in, but overshot the field and impacted desert terrain. During the crash sequence, the aircraft sustained substantial damage to both of the wings, the landing gear, and the firewall. Examination of the engine found that the rear connecting rod at the crankshaft journal was separated and exhibited severe heat distress signatures consistent with oil starvation to the bearing. The respective crankshaft journal displayed a dark black/blue coloration consistent with heat distress. The forward crankshaft journal and connecting rod remained undamaged.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA137 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 2, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Coachella, California
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built STARLITE
- N-number
- N180RR
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.