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NTSB Report
May 25, 1990 · Piper PA-28-161 · N8120C
Fraconia, PA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Fraconia, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N8120C
Operator
Paul Zarroli Jr
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC90LA111
THE ENGINE LOST POWER APPROX 5 MIN AFTER T.O. THE PILOT REPORTED HE EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING AND LANDED HARD. POST CRASH EXAMINATION SHOWED NO OIL IN THE ENGINE CASE AND THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO OIL EXHAUSTION. ONE ENGINE OIL COOLER LINE WAS FOUND TO BE OOZING OIL, HOWEVER, NO OIL LINE FRACTURES WERE REPORTED. THE PILOT WAS REPORTED TO HAVE IMMEDIATELY OPENED UP THE ENGINE COWLING AND EXAMINED THE ENGINE AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE FAA REPORTED THE OIL DIP STICK IN PLACE, HOWEVER, THE PAINT ABOVE IT WAS CHIPPED AND THE METAL SHINY. IN ADDITION, THEY REPORTED A 'V' PATTERN OF OIL SPRAYED ON THE ENGINE COWLING ABOVE THE OIL DIP STICK, WHICH RAN TO THE BACK OF THE ENGINE.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT FAILED TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT AIRSPEED TO FLARE FOR LANDING. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: A POWER LOSS DUE TO OIL EXHAUSTION, THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO CONDUCT AN ADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT AND DEPARTING WITH THE OIL DIP STICK LOOSE.
Full Narrative
THE ENGINE LOST POWER APPROX 5 MIN AFTER T.O. THE PILOT REPORTED HE EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING AND LANDED HARD. POST CRASH EXAMINATION SHOWED NO OIL IN THE ENGINE CASE AND THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO OIL EXHAUSTION. ONE ENGINE OIL COOLER LINE WAS FOUND TO BE OOZING OIL, HOWEVER, NO OIL LINE FRACTURES WERE REPORTED. THE PILOT WAS REPORTED TO HAVE IMMEDIATELY OPENED UP THE ENGINE COWLING AND EXAMINED THE ENGINE AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE FAA REPORTED THE OIL DIP STICK IN PLACE, HOWEVER, THE PAINT ABOVE IT WAS CHIPPED AND THE METAL SHINY. IN ADDITION, THEY REPORTED A 'V' PATTERN OF OIL SPRAYED ON THE ENGINE COWLING ABOVE THE OIL DIP STICK, WHICH RAN TO THE BACK OF THE ENGINE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:20 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN8120C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPaul Zarroli Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 30 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind315° @ 5 kt, gusting 5 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 50
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO