NTSB preliminary report: plane’s engine ran rough before Molokai crash
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report said the plane involved in last month’s crash on Molokai was experiencing mechanical issues.
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According to the NTSB, at around 11:10 a.m., the Sling Aircraft LSA, N83PF, operated by Pacific Flight Academy, was damaged after an accident near Kalaupapa, Hawaii Airport.
The pilot told the NTSB that he and his pilot-rated passenger were on a cross-country flight to Molokai.
As they flew along Molokai’s coastline and approached the airport, the pilot reported that the engine began to “run rough,” that white smoke entered the cockpit through the air vent and that the engine appeared to be losing power.
The NTSB report said the pilot then shut down the engine and maneuvered the plane to line up with the runway, but felt they wouldn’t make it.
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The pilot told investigators he began a right turn toward a nearby bay to avoid landing on the rocky coast.
Both pilots exited the plane and swam to shore with minor injuries.
The report said that the plane had substantial damage to the right wing, fuselage and rudder.
During the NTSB’s follow-up exam of the engine, the No. 2 cylinder exhaust valve stem was fractured from the valve spring retainer and had fallen into the No. 2 combustion chamber. Metal fragments were present in the valve covers on all cylinders.
The NTSB said the 100-horsepower Rotax 912 iS Sport-series engine was retained for further examination.
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Click here to read the full preliminary report.
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