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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

May 24, 1989 · Piper PA-28R-200 · N3940X

Edmond, OK

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 24, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Edmond, OK
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R-200
Tail Number
N3940X
Operator
James Rodney C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW89LA098

THE AIRPLANE WAS ON A PERSONAL NIGHT CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT WHEN THE PILOT NOTICED A RAPID LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE AND A FULL INCREASE OF PROPELLER RPM. HE HEADED TOWARD THE NEAREST AIRPORT BUT THE ENGINE FAILED COMPLETELY. DURING THE FORCED LANDING, THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN SHORT OF A IRON PIPE FENCE. THE PILOT TRIED TO PULL THE AIRPLANE UP OVER THE FENCE BUT THE LANDING GEAR SHEARED OFF WHEN IT HIT THE TOP OF THE FENCE. INSPECTION REVEALED THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE, NO SUMP PLUG IN THE ENGINE, AND NO EVIDENCE OF THE SUMP PLUG HAVING EVER BEEN SAFETIED. THE NUMBER TWO CYLINDER ALSO HAD A HOLE IN IT.

NTSB Probable Cause

IMPROPER MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY THE COMPANY MECHANIC WHO FAILED TO TIGHTEN THE OIL SUMP PLUG, AND ALSO FAILED TO SAFETY IT.

Full Narrative

THE AIRPLANE WAS ON A PERSONAL NIGHT CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT WHEN THE PILOT NOTICED A RAPID LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE AND A FULL INCREASE OF PROPELLER RPM. HE HEADED TOWARD THE NEAREST AIRPORT BUT THE ENGINE FAILED COMPLETELY. DURING THE FORCED LANDING, THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN SHORT OF A IRON PIPE FENCE. THE PILOT TRIED TO PULL THE AIRPLANE UP OVER THE FENCE BUT THE LANDING GEAR SHEARED OFF WHEN IT HIT THE TOP OF THE FENCE. INSPECTION REVEALED THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE, NO SUMP PLUG IN THE ENGINE, AND NO EVIDENCE OF THE SUMP PLUG HAVING EVER BEEN SAFETIED. THE NUMBER TWO CYLINDER ALSO HAD A HOLE IN IT.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28R-200
Tail NumberN3940X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames Rodney C
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1C · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind160° @ 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data