Amateur-built PULSAR III N747N accident near Hurricane, Utah

Probable cause

An elevated oil temperature and subsequent total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot of the experimental, amateur-built airplane reported that the purpose of the flight was to evaluate the effect of airstream cooling on the engine oil temperature once the airplane reached level flight. He stated that departure, climb, and level-off were uneventful; however, while maneuvering, the oil temperature began to increase. A descent did not mitigate the increase in oil temperature, and the engine subsequently experienced a total loss of power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine; when it did not respond, he began a right turn toward the departure runway. The airplane touched down short of the runway and collided with a fence. The pilot sustained a serious head injury and did not recall anything after the turn toward the airport.

The experimental engine was not made available for examination after the accident, and the reason for the elevated oil temperature and subsequent loss of engine power was not determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15LA170 for the full record.