ERA24LA159

While in cruise flight, the pilot of the weight-shift-control aircraft noticed that the oil pressure light was illuminated, the oil pressure gauge indicated zero, and the cylinder head temperature was rising shortly before the engine lost all power. He performed a forced landing to a field and landed hard, fracturing the wing. Examination of the engine revealed that there was no oil under the rocker covers or within the gearbox when removed. Additionally, there was no drivetrain continuity to the number 4 piston, which would not move when the propeller was manually rotated. The pilot did not respond to further attempts to coordinate a more detailed engine examination, and the engine was not further examined. Based on the available information, it is likely that the loss of engine power was the result of insufficient lubrication to the No. 4 connecting rod bearing.

On March 30, 2024, about 1240 eastern daylight time, a DTA Voyager II weight-shift-control aircraft, N20330, was substantially damaged when it was in involved in an accident near Clermont, Florida. The pilot was seriously injured and the passenger was not injured. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, while in cruise flight at 700 feet above ground level, he noticed that the oil pressure light was illuminated, the oil pressure gauge indicated zero, and the cylinder head temperature was rising. He was aiming for an off-airport landing when the engine lost all power. He performed a forced landing in a field and landed hard, fracturing the wing. A postaccident examination of the engine was performed at the pilot’s residence. The chip detector was removed, and no metallic particles were observed. The bottom spark plugs were removed and were clean and clear. When rotated by hand, the propeller rotated about 90° before coming to a stop. Borescope examination of the cylinders revealed no anomalies of the piston faces, valves, or cylinder walls. When the propeller was rotated, the pistons of cylinder Nos. 1, 2, and 3 moved normally; however, piston No. 4 did not move. The rocker covers were removed, and no oil was present in any of the rocker covers. The gearbox was removed, and no oil was present in the gearbox. The oil pump was removed and was unremarkable. The pilot did not respond to subsequent attempts to schedule a more detailed examination of the engine.