Small plane lost engine power in El Cajon crash: NTSB

Above: An April 28 report from FOX 5’s Elizabeth Alvarez on the plane crash.

EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — The National Transportation Safety Board on Friday released a preliminary report on the small plane crash that seriously injured a pilot last month in El Cajon.

The crash occurred on April 28 around 6:15 p.m. in the area of Lily Ave and Clarke Drive.

The investigation revealed that the pilot of a Bellanca 17-31 ATC, N8800V, was conducting a test flight to ensure everything was functioning properly following a completed annual inspection.

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“While on the return leg of the accident flight, he observed a complete loss of engine oil pressure followed by a total loss of engine power. Unable to make it to the airport, the pilot elected to make an off airport landing to a nearby road,” the report said.

During the landing, the small plane struck a power line and telephone pole before coming to an upright stop, according to NTSB. The crash left thousands without power for a short time.

After the crash, investigators examined the small plane which showed substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage, per the report.

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