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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

January 4, 1995 · Lake LA-4-200 · CFGDZ

Int'L Falls, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 4, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Int'L Falls, MN
Aircraft
Lake LA-4-200
Tail Number
CFGDZ
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI95LA065

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE EXPERIENCED LOW OIL TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE ABOUT TEN MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF. HE TURNED AROUND TO RETURN TO INTERNATIONAL FALLS. ABOUT FIVE MINUTES LATER, THE ENGINE 'SHUDDERED' AND LOST POWER. HE EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING IN A SWAMPY AREA. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE CRANKCASE BREATHER TUBE WAS SOLIDLY BLOCKED WITH ICE AND OIL WAS EXPELLED THROUGH THE FRONT SEAL. AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE HAD NOT BEEN COMPLIED WITH.

NTSB Probable Cause

engine oil exhaustion due to a frozen crankcase breather line and noncompliance with an airworthiness directive.

Full Narrative

On January 4, 1995, about 1115 central standard time, a Lake LA- 4-200 airplane, CFGDZ, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near International Falls, Minnesota. The solo commercial pilot reported no injuries. The personal flight originated about 1100 in International Falls and was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The planned destination was La Crosse, Wisconsin. A flight plan was not filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. In his written statement, the pilot reported that he experienced low oil temperature and pressure about ten minutes after takeoff. He turned around to return to International Falls. About five minutes later, the engine "shuddered" and lost power. He executed a forced landing in a swampy area. Small shrubs and trees were encountered which damaged the wings, lower rear fuselage, and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported the crankcase breather tube was solidly blocked with ice and oil was expelled through the front seal. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive 64- 17-05, was issued August 28, 1964 and was applicable to Lake LA- 4, LA-4A, and LA-4P airplanes. The directive specified a modification to the breather tube by the incorporation of a "whistle slot" to preclude loss of engine oil due to icing. FAA inspectors who examined the wreckage reported this type of modification was not incorporated on the accident airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLake LA-4-200
Tail NumberCFGDZ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 53 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 7 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point-2 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:05
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data