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NTSB Report
January 5, 1989 · Cessna R172K · N736BX
Margate, FL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 5, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Margate, FL
Aircraft
Cessna R172K
Tail Number
N736BX
Operator
Harris Stephen P
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA89LA061
WHILE BEING VECTORED TO INTERCEPT THE LOCALIZER COURSE AT AN ALTITUDE OF APRX 2200 FT, APRX 5 MILES FROM THE ARPT, THE RPM GAUGE FLUCTUATED. THE PLT APPLIED FULL THROTTLE, MIXTURE & PROPELLER CONTROLS, BUT THE ENG THEN LOST POWER. DURING A SUBSEQUENT OFF-AIRPORT FORCED LANDING AT NIGHT, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED EVIDENCE OF OIL STARVATION. THE ENG DRIVEN OIL PUMP DRIVE SHAFT HAD FAILED FROM OVERLOAD AFTER FOREIGN OBJECT(S) BECAME LODGED BETWEEN THE HOUSING & THE GEARS. ALSO, THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF ENG SEIZURE AFTER THE #6 CONNECTING ROD HAD FAILED & THAT THE #5 CONNECTING ROD HAD FAILED FROM OVERLOAD.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE ENGINE DRIVEN OIL PUMP DUE TO FOREIGN OBJECT(S), WHICH RESULTED IN OIL STARVATION AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE FAILURE. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARK NIGHT AND TREES IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.
Full Narrative
WHILE BEING VECTORED TO INTERCEPT THE LOCALIZER COURSE AT AN ALTITUDE OF APRX 2200 FT, APRX 5 MILES FROM THE ARPT, THE RPM GAUGE FLUCTUATED. THE PLT APPLIED FULL THROTTLE, MIXTURE & PROPELLER CONTROLS, BUT THE ENG THEN LOST POWER. DURING A SUBSEQUENT OFF-AIRPORT FORCED LANDING AT NIGHT, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED EVIDENCE OF OIL STARVATION. THE ENG DRIVEN OIL PUMP DRIVE SHAFT HAD FAILED FROM OVERLOAD AFTER FOREIGN OBJECT(S) BECAME LODGED BETWEEN THE HOUSING & THE GEARS. ALSO, THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF ENG SEIZURE AFTER THE #6 CONNECTING ROD HAD FAILED & THAT THE #5 CONNECTING ROD HAD FAILED FROM OVERLOAD.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time02:40 EST
Nearest AirportFt Lauderdale Executive (0nm N)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna R172K
Tail NumberN736BX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHarris Stephen P
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-360-K · Reciprocating · 210
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind330° @ 6 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time07:47