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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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August 7, 1983 · Piper PA-28-180 · N7272W

Normantown, WV

Overview

Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 7, 1983
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Normantown, WV
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N7272W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL83LA314

THE PLT NOTICED SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT, & SOON THEREAFTER OBSERVED THE OIL PRESS GAGE READING ZERO. THE PLT WAS GIVEN RADAR VECTORS TO THE NEAREST ARPT BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO REACH IT. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES & A POWERLINE DURING THE FORCED LANDING. EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT AN OIL COOLER LINE HAD RUPTURED ALLOWING THE ENG OIL SUPPLY TO BE PUMPED OVERBOARD. THE LINE WAS FOUND TO BE IN A VERY BRITTLE CONDITION. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF CHAFING. THE LAST ANNUAL WAS 7/11/83. THE RUPTURED LINE HAD 794 HRS TIME IN SERVICE & HAD BEEN INSTALLED FOR ALMOST 7 YRS. THE ACFT MFGR RECOMMENDS THAT THE LINES BE REPLACED EVERY 1,000 HRS. HOWEVER, THE MFGR OF THE LINES GIVE THEM A 5-YR SHELF LIFE.

Full Narrative

THE PLT NOTICED SMOKE IN THE COCKPIT, & SOON THEREAFTER OBSERVED THE OIL PRESS GAGE READING ZERO. THE PLT WAS GIVEN RADAR VECTORS TO THE NEAREST ARPT BUT HE WAS UNABLE TO REACH IT. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES & A POWERLINE DURING THE FORCED LANDING. EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT AN OIL COOLER LINE HAD RUPTURED ALLOWING THE ENG OIL SUPPLY TO BE PUMPED OVERBOARD. THE LINE WAS FOUND TO BE IN A VERY BRITTLE CONDITION. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF CHAFING. THE LAST ANNUAL WAS 7/11/83. THE RUPTURED LINE HAD 794 HRS TIME IN SERVICE & HAD BEEN INSTALLED FOR ALMOST 7 YRS. THE ACFT MFGR RECOMMENDS THAT THE LINES BE REPLACED EVERY 1,000 HRS. HOWEVER, THE MFGR OF THE LINES GIVE THEM A 5-YR SHELF LIFE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:10 EDT
Nearest Airport6nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN7272W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A3A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 31 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

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Appendix: Source Data