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NTSB Report
April 20, 1991 · Piper PA-28R-200 · N503G
Bessemer, AL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 20, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Bessemer, AL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-200
Tail Number
N503G
Operator
Aztec Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL91LA085
A COMPLETED PREFLIGHT INSPECTION DETERMINED THAT ALL SYSTEMS WERE OPERATIONAL PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. THE PILOT ALSO CONFIRMED THAT 7 1/2 QUARTS OF ENGINE OIL WAS IN THE CRANKCASE. A FEW MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT THE PILOT COULD NOT ADJUST THE PROPELLER PITCH, AND HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WAS DROPPING. HE ELECTED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT. EN ROUTE TO THE AIRPORT THE ENGINE QUIT AND SEIZED. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A RAILROAD SIGNAL BOX WHILE THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A COUNTY ROAD. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DISCLOSED THAT A RUBBER OIL COOLER HOSE HAD RUPTURED. THE MAINTENANCE RECORDS INDICATED THAT THE FAILED HOSE HAD BEEN IN SERVICE FOR 3141 HOURS SINCE INSTALLATION.
NTSB Probable Cause
RUPTURE OF A HIGH-TIME, RUBBER, OIL COOLER HOSE, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, OIL EXHAUSTION, AND SEIZURE OF THE ENGINE.
Full Narrative
A COMPLETED PREFLIGHT INSPECTION DETERMINED THAT ALL SYSTEMS WERE OPERATIONAL PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. THE PILOT ALSO CONFIRMED THAT 7 1/2 QUARTS OF ENGINE OIL WAS IN THE CRANKCASE. A FEW MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT THE PILOT COULD NOT ADJUST THE PROPELLER PITCH, AND HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WAS DROPPING. HE ELECTED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT. EN ROUTE TO THE AIRPORT THE ENGINE QUIT AND SEIZED. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A RAILROAD SIGNAL BOX WHILE THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A COUNTY ROAD. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DISCLOSED THAT A RUBBER OIL COOLER HOSE HAD RUPTURED. THE MAINTENANCE RECORDS INDICATED THAT THE FAILED HOSE HAD BEEN IN SERVICE FOR 3141 HOURS SINCE INSTALLATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:50 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28R-200
Tail NumberN503G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAztec Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-B · Reciprocating · 235
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 39 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 11 kt, gusting 20 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2200 ft
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT