At about 1800 Eastern time, the airplane lost power during cruise flight and struck a pedestrian while making a forced landing on a beach. The pilot and passenger were not injured but the pedestrian was killed. The airplane sustained minor damage. Visual conditions prevailed for the IFR cross-country flight. While in cruise flight at 13,000 feet, the instrument panel began vibrating heavily, with oil covering the windshield. Soon, there was a loud noise, the airplanes nose pitched up and the engine stopped. The pilot reported the problem to air traffic control and maneuvered the airplane to make an emergency landing on a nearby beach, striking the pedestrian. The propeller assembly separated from the crankshaft flange and was missing.
March 15, 2010, Hilton Head Island, S.C., Lancair IV-P Experimental
At about 1800 Eastern time, the airplane lost power during cruise flight and struck a pedestrian while making a forced landing on a beach. The pilot and passenger were not injured but the pedestrian was killed. The airplane sustained minor damage. Visual conditions prevailed for the IFR cross-country flight.
Key Takeaways:
- An airplane experienced a complete power loss during cruise flight and executed a forced landing on a beach.
- During the emergency landing, the aircraft struck and fatally injured a pedestrian, though the pilot and passenger were uninjured and the airplane sustained only minor damage.
- The power loss was preceded by heavy instrument panel vibration and oil on the windshield, ending with a loud noise and the separation of the propeller assembly from the crankshaft.
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