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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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August 22, 1999 · Alon A-2A · N5465F

Cabot, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 22, 1999
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Cabot, AR
Aircraft
Alon A-2A
Tail Number
N5465F
Operator
Maxie R Criswell
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW99LA231

The pilot reported that prior to turning on final approach to land, the engine lost power. During the emergency landing in a field of tall grass, the airplane's tail struck a levee and the left wing struck the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed that the engine oil dipstick and cap assembly was not installed, and the forward left side of the fuselage and the windshield were covered in oil.

NTSB Probable Cause

The missing engine oil filler cap which resulted in the loss of engine power as a result of oil starvation. Factors were the pilot's improper aircraft preflight inspection and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On August 21, 1999, at 1905 central daylight time, an Alon A-2A single-engine airplane, N5465F, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while on approach to the Odom Field Airport near Cabot, Arkansas. The airplane was registered to the Criswell Corporation of Wilmington, Delaware, and operated by a private individual. The private pilot sustained a minor injury when exiting the airplane and his only passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 local personal flight. According to the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) and a telephone interview by the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that prior to turning for final approach to runway 27, the engine lost power. He turned the airplane south toward an open field with levees and tall grass. During the landing roll, after about 100 feet, the pilot applied left rudder and the nose landing gear "locked up." The airplane "stood up on its nose," rotated 180 degrees, and came down on its right wing. The left wing then struck the ground, and the tail impacted a levee. Subsequently, the airplane rolled back onto its tail and came to rest upright. According to an FAA inspector, when he arrived at the scene, the airplane was mounted on a trailer located in the pilot's hanger. While performing a walk-around, the inspector opened the access door on the engine cowl, and "noticed that there wasn't an oil dipstick and cap assembly." The inspector reported that the airplane's windshield and the forward left side of the fuselage were covered with oil.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:05 CDT
Nearest AirportRed Oak Airpark (0nm)
Runway27
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAlon A-2A
Tail NumberN5465F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMaxie R Criswell
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-90-16F · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data