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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 18, 1997 · North American Navion NA-1 Navion NA · N8551H

Morristown, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 18, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Morristown, AZ
Aircraft
North American Navion NA-1 Navion NA
Tail Number
N8551H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX97LA183

The engine developed an oil leak resulting in smoke in the cockpit and decaying oil pressure. The private pilot shut off the engine and attempted to land on a local desert airstrip. The airplane landed approximately 50 feet short of the airstrip and contacted several large bushes during the landing rollout. The postaccident investigation disclosed that the oil supply hose from the oil cooler to the engine had ruptured. The hose appeared to be old and heat deteriorated, but was not replaced in conjunction with a recent engine change.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure to replace an old and abraded oil feedline hose which led to its rupture and the in-flight loss of engine oil pressure. A related factor was the pilot's misjudgment of distance-to-go versus altitude remaining during the subsequent forced landing.

Full Narrative

On May 18, 1997, at 0640 hours mountain standard time, a Navion NA-1, N8551H, was substantially damaged during an attempted emergency landing near Morristown, Arizona. The solo private pilot was not injured. The flight departed Wickenburg, Arizona, airport, at 0600 on a local, personal flight. The engine suddenly lost oil pressure followed by smoke in the cockpit. The private pilot shut off the engine and attempted to land on a local desert airstrip. The airplane landed approximately 50 feet short of the airstrip and collided with several large bushes during the landing rollout. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight and no flight plan was filed. A subsequent investigation by the Scottsdale, Arizona, Flight Standards District Office revealed that the oil feedline hose from the oil cooler to the engine had failed resulting in loss of engine oil pressure and the deposit of oil spray on the exterior of the engine. The pilot stated to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector that a new engine had recently been installed, however, the old oil feedline hoses had not been replaced.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:40 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNorth American Navion NA-1 Navion NA
Tail NumberN8551H
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · E-185 · Reciprocating · 185
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data