October 30, 2002

The following is based upon discussions with Don Goetz and other individuals
knowledgeable about the events of the accident.

Jim Rahm's Lancair IV-P was sold to a Mexican pilot.  The plane apparently
had a number of problems at time of sale including a leaky hydraulic system,
a persistent oil leak in the engine and an inoperative computer allowing
flight only on the backup computer.  Don Goetz created a list of maintenance
issues to be addressed, including a notation that the nose gear strut was
essentially non-functional and needed to be replaced.  The nose gear strut
was apparently provided to the new owner by Jim Rahm and installed by a
local maintenance facility.  The plane was apparently flown without
resolving some of the other maintenance issues and while flying at 17,000
feet, a major oil line appears to have chafed on the cowling leading to
complete loss of engine/gearbox oil.  The engine then threw a rod and lost
power.  A successful landing was made, however during roll-out, the nose
gear collapsed leading to substantial damage to the prop and undersurface of
the plane.  There were no injuries.  The plane is currently undergoing
repair.

Probable cause: Failure of owner/pilot to follow acceptable maintenance
procedures leading to a total loss of engine oil and engine power,
necessitating an emergency landing.  Improper installation of the nose gear
strut led to collapse of the nose gear on landing, damaging the airframe and
propeller.