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October 2, 2010 · Maule MXT-7-180A · N152HS

Magnolia, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 2, 2010
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Magnolia, AR
Aircraft
Maule MXT-7-180A
Tail Number
N152HS
Operator
Henderson State University
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11LA005

The pilot was on a night cross-country flight when he heard a knocking sound in the engine. He immediately proceeded toward the nearest airport, declared an emergency, and noted that the oil pressure gauge read "0" and the oil temperature gauge read "high." When the airplane was about 5 miles south of the airport, and at an altitude of 1,700 feet, the engine seized. The pilot made a forced landing to a field and subsequently collided with a fence, causing substantial damage to the airplane. Examination of the engine revealed a large hole in the top of the crankcase and that the oil drain line for the No. 4 cylinder was not connected. A review of the engine logbook indicated that the No. 2 cylinder had been removed on the day of the accident, which would have required the No. 4 cylinder oil drain line to be disconnected. When the cylinder was placed back on the engine, the oil drain line was likely not reconnected and properly torqued per the manufacturer's maintenance manual.

NTSB Probable Cause

The mechanic's failure to properly install an oil drain line after he replaced a cylinder, which caused the engine to seize in flight due to a lack of lubrication.

Full Narrative

On October 1, 2010, at 2100 central daylight time, a Maule MXT-7-180-A, N152HS, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after a total loss of engine power near Magnolia, Arkansas. The private pilot and a passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by Henderson State University (HSU), Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight that departed Monroe Regional Airport (MLU), Monroe, Louisiana, approximately 2030, and destined for Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK), Texarkana, Arkansas. The cross country flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as part of HSU's commercial pilot curriculum. According to the pilot, he was at 2,500 feet about 15 miles south of Magnolia Municipal Airport (AGO), Magnolia, Arkansas, when he heard a knocking sound in the engine. He immediately proceeded toward AGO, declared an emergency, and noted that the oil pressure gage read "0" and the oil temperature gage was "high." When the airplane was about 5 miles south of the airport and at an altitude of 1,700 feet, the engine seized. The pilot noted a small clearing and landed on a private horse farm. He said there was no visible moon and it was very dark outside, which made it difficult to see the terrain and he subsequently collided with corral fencing before coming to a full stop. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector performed an on-scene examination of the airplane, which revealed that the nosegear of the airplane collapsed and was pushed aft and the top of the fuselage center section was damaged. The firewall, left horizontal stabilizer and elevator sustained substantial damage. A large amount of oil was noted on the under side of the engine and belly of the airplane. Examination of the engine revealed there was a large hole in the top of the crankcase and the oil drain line for the #4 cylinder was not connected. A review of the engine logbook revealed that the #2 cylinder had been removed on the day of the accident, which would have required the #4 cylinder oil drain line to be disconnected. When the cylinder was placed back on the engine, the oil drain line should have been reconnected and properly torqued per the manufacturer's maintenance manual. In a written statement, the mechanic that replaced the #2 cylinder said that after he replaced the cylinder he performed an engine run and checked for leaks. No leaks were observed. The mechanic placed the cowling back on the engine, completed the 100-hour inspection paperwork and returned the airplane back to service. He stated that all work was performed in accordance with the Maule inspection guide, Lycoming direct drive overhaul manual, and a 4,313-lb torque wrench. The pilot held a private pilot certificate for airplane single-engine land. His last Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) first class medical was issued on August 20, 2007. The pilot reported a total of 128 hours, of which, 34 hours were in the Maule.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:00 CDT
Nearest AirportMagnolia Municipal (5nm)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftMaule MXT-7-180A
Tail NumberN152HS
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHenderson State University
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-C4F · Reciprocating · 180
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 21 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 41 C
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time01:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data