Pilot Debrief

BEECH N35 near Wardsville, MO — 2022-07-20

Final reportCEN22LA330
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Date
2022-07-20
Location
Wardsville, MO, USA
Aircraft
BEECH N35
Registration
N1228Z
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

Engine failure due to oil starvation resulting from an oil leak at the improperly installed aftermarket oil filter adapter.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported the flight was uneventful until he was approaching the destination airport. During the approach, he observed the oil pressure drop to zero and, shortly afterward, the engine started running rough. The pilot subsequently heard a “bang” from the engine and observed smoke from under the engine cowling. The engine lost power completely and he executed a forced landing to a field. The airframe sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage. Postaccident examination revealed that the engine failed because of oil starvation. At the time of the examination, the aftermarket oil filter adapter was loose and not safety wired in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness directive.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Proper installation and inspection of the oil filter adapter could have prevented the failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 15 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents15

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