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NTSB Report
July 12, 1990 · Bellanca 17-31ATC · N39870
Denton, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 12, 1990
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Denton, TX
Aircraft
Bellanca 17-31ATC
Tail Number
N39870
Operator
Acme Auction
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW90LA139
THE AIRPLANE WAS DEPARTING THE AIRPORT FOR A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT WHEN A PARTIAL POWER LOSS OCCURRED. THE PILOT DECIDED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT. A TOTAL POWER LOSS OCCURRED AND A FORCED LANDING RESULTED. DURING THE EMERGENCY DESCENT, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES AND A UTILITY POLE. THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED TO IMPACT THE TERRAIN. THE LOSS OF POWER WAS DUE TO THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A OIL LINE BY THE PILOT DURING AN OIL CHANGE THAT HE PERFORMED. THE ENGINE OIL WAS EXHAUSTED FROM THE SYSTEM WHEN IT WAS PRESSURIZED.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT FAILURES TO PROPERLY IN STALL A OIL LINE WHICH RESULTED IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AFTER THE OIL SUPPLY WAS EXHAUSTED.
Full Narrative
THE AIRPLANE WAS DEPARTING THE AIRPORT FOR A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT WHEN A PARTIAL POWER LOSS OCCURRED. THE PILOT DECIDED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT. A TOTAL POWER LOSS OCCURRED AND A FORCED LANDING RESULTED. DURING THE EMERGENCY DESCENT, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES AND A UTILITY POLE. THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED TO IMPACT THE TERRAIN. THE LOSS OF POWER WAS DUE TO THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A OIL LINE BY THE PILOT DURING AN OIL CHANGE THAT HE PERFORMED. THE ENGINE OIL WAS EXHAUSTED FROM THE SYSTEM WHEN IT WAS PRESSURIZED.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:40 CDT
Nearest AirportDenton Muni (0nm N)
Runway17
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBellanca 17-31ATC
Tail NumberN39870
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAcme Auction
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-K1E5 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 7 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:50
Weather SourceWFAC