Pilot Debrief

PIPER J3C near Russiaville, IN — 2019-08-25

Final reportCEN19TA293
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Date
2019-08-25
Location
Russiaville, IN, USA
Aircraft
PIPER J3C
Registration
N49614
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to reinstall the oil cap after adding oil, which resulted to oil starvation and a precaautionary landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and passenger were en route on a multi-leg cross-country flight when the pilot noticed oil on the side window and the oil pressure gauge indicated a loss of oil pressure. The pilot was not sure that the engine would continue to run if he diverted to the nearest grass strip, so he executed a precautionary landing to a field, which substantially damaged right wing ribs and spar. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the oil cap was missing; it was later located at the last departure airport. The pilot stated that he was in a hurry to depart and did not properly reinstall or secure the oil cap. The did not reveal other mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operations.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot should have verified oil cap was reinstalled before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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