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January 16, 1994 · Bellanca 8KCAB · N41826

Middletown, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 16, 1994
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Middletown, OH
Aircraft
Bellanca 8KCAB
Tail Number
N41826
Operator
A & H Flying
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO94LA026

During cruise flight at 2000 feet MSL, the pilot reported that the oil temperature and pressure gauges suddenly indicated zero. He stated that he looked along the sides of the airplane for any evidence of oil, but there was none. The pilot stated that he thought this may have been an indication problem, so he elected to return to the airport. He stated that within two minutes of the zero indication the engine started to vibrate violently. The pilot stated that there was no suitable place for a forced landing, so he landed in a plowed field and collided with trees during the landing. The engine was removed for further examination. The examination included the removal of the oil sump and accessory case. When the oil sump was removed there was evidence of bearing material in the sump and also there was water in the oil that was drained out of the oil hoses. The connecting rod on the number one cylinder separated at the large end resulting in the piston being jammed in the cylinder.

NTSB Probable Cause

A FROZEN OIL LINE RESULTING IN THE STARVATION OF OIL TO THE ENGINE AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. A RELATED FACTOR WAS THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.

Full Narrative

On Sunday, January 16, 1994, at 1215 eastern standard time, a Bellanca 8KCAB, N41826, collided with the ground while on final approach during a power-off forced landing at Middletown, Ohio. The certificated airline transport pilot, the sole occupant was not injured, while the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal flight was being operated under 14 CFR 91, and originated in Moraine, Ohio. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a flight plan was not filed. According to the pilot, during cruise flight at 2000 feet MSL he noticed both the oil temperature and oil pressure gages were indicating zero. He stated that he looked out of the airplane to see if there was any evidence of oil, but there was none. The pilot stated that he decided to return to the airport and not land sooner as he thought it "appeared to be only an indication problem. Within approximately 2 minutes engine rpm started decreasing slowly then engine started shaking violently. At that time I pulled mixture and picked the only field I thought I could make...The field was short with trees at both ends and plowed north/south. I attempted landing south but due to the shortness of the field I could not stop without hitting trees." The engine was removed to Moraine Aircraft in Moraine, Ohio, for further examination. The examination included removing the oil sump and accessory case. When the oil sump was removed and the oil was drained out of the oil hoses, there was evidence of water in the oil. The interior of the sump contained pieces of bearing material. The connecting rod on the number one cylinder separated at the large end resulting in the piston being jammed in the cylinder. When the accessory case was removed there was evidence of aluminum melting in the area of the bearing around the oil pump. According to the FAA aviation safety inspector, there was starvation of oil in the engine.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 8KCAB
Tail NumberN41826
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorA & H Flying
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320-E1A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 7 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingOvercast 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point7 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time14:00
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data