On November 8, 1984, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N8523S) was involved in an aviation accident near Mission, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After losing oil pressure, a pilot executed a downwind precautionary landing across plowed furrows. The right wing caught in sugar cane, causing a ground loop that collapsed the left landing gear and damaged the left wing. The pilot reported a ruptured oil return line.
Incident Overview
The aircraft experienced a loss of oil pressure during flight, prompting the pilot to land downwind. The pilot's attention was drawn to the smell of hot oil earlier in the flight. The precautionary landing was conducted across plowed furrows. Upon landing, the right wing struck the sugar cane crop, causing the aircraft to turn to the right. This resulted in the collapse of the left landing gear and damage to the left wing.
Pilot Statement
The pilot subsequently informed FAA inspectors that an oil return line had ruptured. The landing was performed to prevent additional engine damage.
Examination Results
Inspectors found that the rubber oil line (hose) had been subjected to high temperatures. The rudder inside the woven steel casing was brittle. The aircraft's last 100-hour inspection had taken place three flight hours prior to the accident.