Casualties unknown

Engine Oil Leak Forces Landing in Plowed Field, Gear Collapses (N69341)

Waukegan, IL, US

On April 5, 1982, a Cessna 402B (registration N69341) operated by Superior Air Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Waukegan, IL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported an oil leak in the right engine during an instrument approach. After losing sight of the airport and experiencing power loss, the pilot landed in a plowed field, where the landing gear collapsed.

Incident Overview

During an instrument approach to Waukegan Airport, the pilot informed the controller of an oil leak in the right engine. Several minutes later, the pilot reported losing sight of the airport and, due to a loss of power in the right engine, decided to land in a plowed field. Upon landing, the landing gear collapsed.

Examination Findings

Post-incident examination of the right engine oil scavenge pump revealed that the drive gear had fractured into five pieces. Four of the five fractures showed evidence of an overload-type failure. One fracture surface, however, bore evidence of a pre-existing fatigue-type failure.

Conclusion

The source does not provide a stated probable cause for the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X01903. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.