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NTSB Report
August 9, 1992 · Weatherly 620A · N4650W
Cobb, GA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 9, 1992
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Cobb, GA
Aircraft
Weatherly 620A
Tail Number
N4650W
Operator
Varner Bass Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL92LA154
WHILE CONDUCTING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, THE ENGINE SEIZED & A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE INTO A CORN FIELD. THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT ENGINE OIL COVERED ITS BELLY. THE CHIP DETECTOR IN THE OIL SUMP OF THE ENGINE WAS FOUND BROKEN, WITH THE DETECTOR ELECTRODE HELD ON BY ITS TRANSMISSION WIRE. THE OPEN DETECTOR PORT HAD ALLOWED ALL OF THE ENGINE OIL TO ESCAPE. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE DETECTOR ELECTRODE REVEALED THAT IT HAD SEPARATED BECAUSE OF CORROSION. THE OPERATOR'S MECHANIC STATED THAT HE USUALLY FOUND ABOUT ONE TABLESPOON OF WATER IN THE ENGINE SUMP DURING 100 HOUR OIL CHANGES.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE CORRODED, AND SEPARATED, MAGNETIC CHIP DETECTOR PLUG WHICH ALLOWED THE LOSS OF ALL ENGINE OIL AND THE ENGINE'S SUBSEQUENT SEIZURE. FACTORS WERE THE INADEQUATE 100 HOUR INSPECTION, AND THE HIGH VEGETATION IN THE FORCED LANDING FIELD.
Full Narrative
WHILE CONDUCTING AN AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, THE ENGINE SEIZED & A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE INTO A CORN FIELD. THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT ENGINE OIL COVERED ITS BELLY. THE CHIP DETECTOR IN THE OIL SUMP OF THE ENGINE WAS FOUND BROKEN, WITH THE DETECTOR ELECTRODE HELD ON BY ITS TRANSMISSION WIRE. THE OPEN DETECTOR PORT HAD ALLOWED ALL OF THE ENGINE OIL TO ESCAPE. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE DETECTOR ELECTRODE REVEALED THAT IT HAD SEPARATED BECAUSE OF CORROSION. THE OPERATOR'S MECHANIC STATED THAT HE USUALLY FOUND ABOUT ONE TABLESPOON OF WATER IN THE ENGINE SUMP DURING 100 HOUR OIL CHANGES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftWeatherly 620A
Tail NumberN4650W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVarner Bass Aviation
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-985 · Reciprocating · 450
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 3 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:48
Weather SourceWFAC