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NTSB Report
June 22, 1989 · Cessna 172 · N3814S
Sauk Rapids, MN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 22, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sauk Rapids, MN
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N3814S
Operator
Nodak Flying Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC89LA143
THE PLT RPRTD THAT DURING A X-COUNTRY FLT, THE ENG BEGAN SHAKING & SMOKING. HE MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A CULTIVATED FIELD, BUT THE ACFT NOSED DOWN IN SOFT MUDDY TERRAIN & WAS DAMAGED. THE PLT RPRTD THAT BEFORE HE TOOK OFF, HE SERVICED THE ACFT WITH FUEL. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE ADDED ONE QUART OF OIL, CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL & REPLACED THE OIL CAP. HOWEVER, AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE OIL CAP WAS ABSENT & THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED BY LACK OF LUBRICATION.
NTSB Probable Cause
FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO PROPERLY SECURE THE OIL CAP WHEN HE SERVICED THE AIRCRAFT AND OIL STARVATION. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE THE TERRAIN CONDITIONS.
Full Narrative
THE PLT RPRTD THAT DURING A X-COUNTRY FLT, THE ENG BEGAN SHAKING & SMOKING. HE MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A CULTIVATED FIELD, BUT THE ACFT NOSED DOWN IN SOFT MUDDY TERRAIN & WAS DAMAGED. THE PLT RPRTD THAT BEFORE HE TOOK OFF, HE SERVICED THE ACFT WITH FUEL. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE ADDED ONE QUART OF OIL, CHECKED THE OIL LEVEL & REPLACED THE OIL CAP. HOWEVER, AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE OIL CAP WAS ABSENT & THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED BY LACK OF LUBRICATION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:10 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN3814S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorNodak Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 19 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 8 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO