Casualties unknown

Engine Failure During Flight Leads to Forced Landing (N731GL)

Opheim, MT, US

On June 19, 1984, a Cessna A188B (registration N731GL) operated by Frank Redfield was involved in an aviation accident near Opheim, MT. 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

An aircraft was damaged in a forced landing after the engine quit. The pilot reported issues with the fuel crossover quick drain and its safety wiring.

Incident Overview

An aircraft sustained damage during a forced landing following an engine failure. The pilot reported that several weeks prior to the accident, he discovered the fuel crossover quick drain was frozen shut and would not drain. He removed the drain to lubricate it, but upon reinstallation, he could not properly safety wire it due to lack of access. Instead, he wired it to an adjacent screw. After the accident, the screw, wire, and drain were missing. The pilot stated that it was possible he did not retighten the screw.

Fuel Details

The pilot indicated that the aircraft had 21 gallons of fuel for the flight, which lasted 45 minutes. According to the pilot, the aircraft burns approximately 15.5 gallons per hour.

Conclusion

The aircraft was damaged in the forced landing. No further information is available.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X39916. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.