MESA, AZ, USA
N3153Y
SADLER VAMPIRE
DURING A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT, WHILE CLIMBING TO ALTITUDE, THE ENGINE QUIT. A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE ON A DIRT ROAD WHERE DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A DITCH. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE REAR CYLINDER NEXT TO THE GEAR BOX CONTAINED A BURNT PISTON. A HOLE WAS BEGINNING TO BURN THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE PISTON HEAD. ALSO, MOLTEN ALUMINIUM WAS FOUND SPRAYED ONTO THE CYLINDER WALLS. ACCORDING TO THE ENGINE DISTRIBUTOR, THIS WAS INDICATIVE OF DETONATION CAUSED BY IMPROPER GRADE/OCTANE FUEL.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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