Evektor-Aerotechnik As SPORTSTAR accident near Lancaster, Ohio, May 21, 2022
On May 21, 2022 at about 5:53 pm local time, a 2006 Evektor-Aerotechnik As SPORTSTAR, an amateur-built aircraft,, registered N503RK, was substantially damaged in an accident during approach (VFR pattern base) near Lancaster, Ohio (Fairfield County Airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
The improper installation and subsequent failure of the pushrod O-rings, which resulted in failure of the No. 4 connecting rod due to oil starvation.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- May 21, 2022 · about 5:53 pm local time
- Place
- Lancaster, Ohio · Fairfield County Airport · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 1 person was on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Evektor-Aerotechnik As SPORTSTAR, built 2006, amateur-built · all SPORTSTARs on the register
- Registration
- N503RK · no longer on the register · serial 20050503
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot observed a reduction in engine power shortly after takeoff. While attempting to return to the airport, the engine lost power completely while on the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern, after which the pilot performed an off-airport landing. The airplane’s fuselage and horizontal stabilizer were substantially damaged during the landing. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the pushrod O-rings had been incorrectly installed. This improper installation led to the disintegration of the O-rings, and the resulting debris to blocked the oil ports to the No. 4 connecting rod bearing. The lack of oil to the bearing resulted in the failure of the connecting rod, and the subsequent total loss of engine power. The airplane’s maintenance logbooks did not document any recent engine maintenance that would have required removing the engine’s cylinder heads. The cylinders were removed and reinstalled following repair nearly 9 years, and about 58 tachometer hours, before the accident. Based on available information, it is likely that the O-rings were improperly installed during this maintenance.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
What happened, in order
- Loss of engine power (total) during approach (VFR pattern base) defining event
- Loss of engine power (partial) during initial climb
- Aircraft maintenance event during prior to flight
The NTSB's findings
- Personnel issues › Task performance › Maintenance › Replacement › Maintenance personnel
- Aircraft › Aircraft power plant › Engine (reciprocating) › Recip eng cyl section › Incorrect service/maintenance
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 240 hours in all; 27 in this make and model; 2 in the last 90 days; 2 in the last 30 days; 163 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: May 4, 2022
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (without waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 539 hours
- Last inspection: condition inspection, November 1, 2022; 20 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 1,320 lb
- Seats: 2
- Landing gear: fixed
- Engine: Rotax 912ULS (piston); 539 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: LHQ Lancaster OH at 5:30 pm
- Flight plan: none
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 200° at 12 knots, gusting 19
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: a few clouds at 4,200 ft
- Temperature: 86°F (30°C), dew point 72°F (22°C)
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observation at 2:53 pm from KLHQ, 4 miles away
Weather report (METAR): KLHQ 211853Z AUTO 20012G19KT 10SM FEW042 FEW055 30/22 A3000 RMK AO2 LTG DSNT W SLP148 T03000217
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight crew | 1 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The NTSB has not released the docket for this case yet. The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), is usually released when the investigation is nearly complete, and the list here is refreshed when it appears. Check at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.