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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

June 21, 1986 · Piper L-4H · N58988

Anchorage, AK

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 21, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Anchorage, AK
Aircraft
Piper L-4H
Tail Number
N58988
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC86FA085

THE PILOT/MECHANIC STATED THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE BEGAN FLICKERING, SO HE ELECTED TO LAND AND DURING THE DESCENT THE ENGINE FAILED. HE LANDED DOWNWIND IN 20 KNOT WINDS AND DURING THE LANDING ROLL, ACROSS TUNDRA/MUD THE AIRPLANE'S WHEELS STRUCK A LARGE WATER FILLED HOLE AND NOSED OVER. POST ACC EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE BOTTOM OF THE FUSELAGE WAS COVERED WITH OIL. THE OIL BREATHER TUBE HAD AN OIL CAN WIRED TO IT. THE PLT DID HIS OWN MAINTENANCE WORK. THE OIL WAS BEING BLOWN OUT THRU THE BREATHER TUBE. SINCE THE ACFT WAS UPSIDE DOWN ANY REMAINING OIL HAD DRAINED OUT. THE PLT WAS OPERATING THE ACFT KNOWING THAT THE LUBRICATING SYS WAS IMPROPER.

Full Narrative

THE PILOT/MECHANIC STATED THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE BEGAN FLICKERING, SO HE ELECTED TO LAND AND DURING THE DESCENT THE ENGINE FAILED. HE LANDED DOWNWIND IN 20 KNOT WINDS AND DURING THE LANDING ROLL, ACROSS TUNDRA/MUD THE AIRPLANE'S WHEELS STRUCK A LARGE WATER FILLED HOLE AND NOSED OVER. POST ACC EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE BOTTOM OF THE FUSELAGE WAS COVERED WITH OIL. THE OIL BREATHER TUBE HAD AN OIL CAN WIRED TO IT. THE PLT DID HIS OWN MAINTENANCE WORK. THE OIL WAS BEING BLOWN OUT THRU THE BREATHER TUBE. SINCE THE ACFT WAS UPSIDE DOWN ANY REMAINING OIL HAD DRAINED OUT. THE PLT WAS OPERATING THE ACFT KNOWING THAT THE LUBRICATING SYS WAS IMPROPER.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper L-4H
Tail NumberN58988
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C90-8F · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 20 kt, gusting 30 kt
Visibility90 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 2000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point55 / 43 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data