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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

November 11, 1996 · Cessna 152 · N714VX

Williams, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 11, 1996
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Williams, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N714VX
Operator
Sunbird Flight Services
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX97LA037

According to the pilot, during initial climb, the engine gradually lost power. Subsequently, it crash landed on uneven/rocky terrain and came to rest against trees in an inverted attitude. Density altitude was computed to be about 7,300 feet. The pilot reported that prior to the flight, when he first started the engine, no indication of oil pressure was observed. He shut down the engine and purchased 1 quart of oil. No abnormal indications were observed during the subsequent ground check out or takeoff roll. However, during the initial climb, the oil pressure indicator dropped to zero pounds. A teardown examination of the engine was performed. The crankshaft assembly revealed signatures consistent with heat distress in the number 2 main journal area. The oil pump's drive shaft was found broken. A foreign metal object was observed wedged between the teeth of the pump's driving and driven gears, and the engagement end of the oil pump drive shaft was found sheared off. The foreign object resembled a small bolt or screw, which was not used in the manufacture of the engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

a foreign object in the oil system, which resulted in failure of the oil pump, oil starvation, loss of engine power, and a subsequent forced landing. Rough/uneven terrain in the emergency landing area was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On November 11, 1996, about 1105 hours mountain standard time, a Cessna 152, N714VX, operated by Sunbird Flight Services, Chandler, Arizona, experienced a total loss of engine power and collided with terrain during initial climb from runway 19 at the Valle Airport, near Williams, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The airplane was destroyed and the private pilot was seriously injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the Coconino County Sheriff's Department, a witness reported observing the airplane following its takeoff. The witness indicated that the airplane appeared to stall, flip upside down, and then collide with trees. The pilot reported that when he first started the engine no indication of engine oil pressure was observed. He shut down the engine and purchased 1 quart of oil. No abnormal indications were observed during the subsequent ground checkout or takeoff roll. During the initial climb, the oil pressure indicator dropped to 0 pounds, and the temperature indicator remained in the normal operating range. There was no indication of engine roughness, but power was lost. The pilot further reported that he checked the magnetos and fuel selector, and he pushed the mixture control in, but the engine continued to lose power. The airplane stalled, collided with trees, and came to rest in an inverted attitude. The airport's elevation is 6,002 feet mean sea level. The computed density altitude was about 7,300 feet. While under the supervision and direction of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the airplane was subsequently examined by a representative from Lycoming Engines. According to the FAA, during the teardown examination the oil pump's drive shaft was found broken. A foreign object was observed wedged between the teeth of the pump's driving and driven gears. The crankshaft engagement end of the oil pump drive shaft was found sheared off. The examination of the crankshaft assembly revealed signatures consistent with heat distress in the number 2 main journal area. The Lycoming representative verbally reported that the visual examination of the foreign object revealed it was metal and had threads. The object resembled a small bolt or screw. No screw or bolt of the type found was used by Lycoming in the engine's manufacture. According to the FAA, during the examinations of the engine and airframe no other findings were made which would have precipitated the loss of engine power or flight control.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:05 MST
Nearest AirportVALLE (1nm S)
Runway19
Runway Length4262 ft
Runway Width45 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN714VX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorSunbird Flight Services
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 33 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind60° @ 5 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data