NTSB Identification: LAX07LA011
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, October 18, 2006 in Chandler, AZ
Aircraft: Morrisey 2150A, registration: N5114V
Injuries: 2 Minor.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

On October 18, 2006, at 0930 mountain standard time, a Morrisey (Varga) 2150A airplane (file photo, below), N5114V, impacted terrain during a forced landing near the Stellar Airpark, Chandler, Arizona. The forced landing was precipitated by a loss of engine power. The airplane sustained substantial damage; the commercial pilot and pilot-rated passenger sustained minor injuries. The pilot operated the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. The local flight originated from the Chandler Municipal Airport (CHD) about 15 minutes prior to the accident and was destined for the Stellar Airpark (P19). Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed for the flight.

According to the pilot-rated passenger, who was the registered owner of the airplane, they departed CHD and smelled "something kind of funny." The pilots noticed that the oil pressure indicator was not registering any pressure and the engine began to buck. As the flight neared P19, they secured the engine and declared an emergency to CHD's air traffic control tower and informed them that they were making a forced landing near P19.

The airplane touched down in rough terrain about 300 feet short of runway 35, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the accident site reported that engine oil was noted on the left side of the cowling, over the left wing, and down the belly of the airplane. He opened the cowling and noted that the oil dipstick was in place and the oil filter remained secured to the engine. Interviews with the owner revealed that the oil was changed 10 days prior to the accident and the accident flight was the third since that oil change.

The airplane was transported to Air Transport, Phoenix, Arizona, where it will be examined at a later date.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov