Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-25-235 near Mott, ND — 2012-07-12

Final reportCEN12LA437
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Date
2012-07-12
Location
Mott, ND, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-25-235
Registration
N8801L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Maneuvering

Probable cause

The rupture of a corroded oil line, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the engine experienced a loss of oil pressure and power during aerial-application flight maneuvers. The airplane impacted a hay bale and roadside ditch during the subsequent forced landing. A postaccident examination revealed that one of the oil lines associated with the oil-cooler had ruptured. The oil line’s reinforcing steel braiding was corroded, and a majority of the individual steel strands were fractured in the immediate area surrounding the rupture. A review of available records indicated that there were no unresolved maintenance items and that there was no history of engine oil leaks since the last engine overhaul. The installation date and total time in-service of the ruptured engine oil line could not be determined from the available maintenance information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked oil levels before flight to prevent engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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