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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

February 22, 1996 · Piper PA-36-300 · N57828

Andrews, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 22, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Andrews, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-36-300
Tail Number
N57828
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA126

The airplane was on its first flight after an engine overhaul. Shortly after takeoff, the engine blew oil onto the pilot's windshield. The pilot shut down the engine and turned back toward the airport. The airplane was unable to make the runway and landed in a rough field. An engine teardown revealed that an incorrect crankshaft oil seal had been installed during the overhaul, and the seal had become dislodged during the flight. In addition, cranshaft and crankcase damage was found, and the damage was determined to be the result of misalignment of the crankcase halves during a previous modification.

NTSB Probable Cause

the mechanic's improper overhaul of the engine. Factors were: the pilot in command's inability to maintain visual lookout due to oil on the windscreen and unsuitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On February 22, 1996, at 0915 central standard time, a Piper PA-36-300, N57828, owned and operated by a private owner, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Andrews, Texas. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The aircraft was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated in Andrews, Texas at 0915. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The airplane was on its first flight after an engine overhaul. The pilot reported that moments after takeoff, oil "blew over my windshield," and he was unable to see out of the windshield. The pilot shut down the engine and turned back towards runway 30. Unable to make the runway, the airplane touched down in a "very rough pasture, bounced over a fence, and hit on the end of the [runway] overrun," damaging the landing gear and fuselage. According to the FAA inspector, the crankshaft and crankcase thrust surfaces had failed. A field teardown of the engine, conducted by the FAA Inspector, revealed that the oil pressure loss was traced to the installation of the incorrect crankshaft oil seal. The oil seal had become dislodged during the flight. The crankshaft and crankcase thrust surface damage was determined to be the result of misalignment of the crankcase halves during a previous modification.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:15 CST
Nearest AirportAndrews County (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-36-300
Tail NumberN57828
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data