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NTSB Report

July 9, 2000 · Ercoupe Forney F-1 · N7518C

Leechburg, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 9, 2000
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Leechburg, PA
Aircraft
Ercoupe Forney F-1
Tail Number
N7518C
Operator
Weston H Moran
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC00LA185

While in cruise flight at 5,500 feet (msl), the pilot experienced smoke in the cockpit and noticed the engine oil pressure had dropped to zero. The pilot elected to make a precautionary landing to a grass field. During the approach, the pilot realized the airplane's approach speed was too fast to touchdown on the grass field, and he performed a landing to an adjacent corn field. During the landing, the airplane's left wing and empennage were damaged. Examination of the airplane revealed that the airplane's engine oil pressure line was severed. Oil was found in the engine compartment and streaks of oil were observed on the right side of the fuselage. Additionally, only about 1/2 of a quart of oil remained in the engine's oil sump. No other discrepancies were noted.

NTSB Probable Cause

A severed oil pressure line, which resulted in an off airport landing.

Full Narrative

On July 9, 2000, about 1820 Eastern Daylight Time, an Ercoupe Forney F-1, N7518C, was substantially damaged during an off airport precautionary landing near Leechburg, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan had been filed for the flight that departed Kent, Ohio, destined for the Montgomery County Airpark Airport, Gaithersburg, Maryland. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes after takeoff, while in cruise flight at 5,500 feet (msl), he experienced smoke in the cockpit and noticed the engine oil pressure had dropped to zero. The pilot noted that the nearest airport was about 9 miles from his position; however, he elected to make a precautionary landing to a grass field. During the approach, the pilot realized the airplane's approach speed was too fast to touchdown on the grass field, and he performed a landing to an adjacent corn field. During the landing, the airplane's left wing and empennage were damaged. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the airplane's engine oil pressure line was severed about 1/16 of an inch from the nut that attached the line to the engine block. Oil was found in the engine compartment and streaks of oil were observed on the right side of the fuselage. Additionally, only about 1/2 of a quart of oil remained in the engine's oil sump. No other discrepancies were noted.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:20 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftErcoupe Forney F-1
Tail NumberN7518C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWeston H Moran
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C90-12F · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 13 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data