Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28 near Buda, TX — 2020-10-21

Final reportCEN21LA031
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Date
2020-10-21
Location
Buda, TX, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA28
Registration
N5932U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

An improperly torqued oil line fitting during an engine overhaul, which resulted in oil exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

During a night training flight, the flight instructor and student pilot experienced a total loss of engine power and executed a forced landing onto rough terrain, which damaged the airplane’s right-wing spar. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed a nearly empty oil reservoir and oil residue on the underside of the fuselage and elevator, with significant thermal damage to the engine. The examination also found a disconnected oil line fitting. No material or structural anomalies were noted with the oil line or fitting. The engine had been recently overhauled, and the two mechanics who performed the overhaul stated it was very possible that they did not properly torque the oil line fitting. Following the accident, the overhaul facility implemented a requirement to torque seal applicable components to help ensure compliance with torque specifications.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Properly torquing the oil line fitting during the engine overhaul could have prevented failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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