On December 26, 1985, a Piper PA-34T-22OT (registration XBDRL) operated by Marco Arvizi was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a transborder VFR cross-country flight, the pilot saw oil spraying from the left engine with smoke and shut it down. After declaring an emergency, the aircraft porpoised, ground looped, and slid off the runway. Investigation revealed a crack in the oil cooler weld seam.
Incident Summary
During a transborder VFR cross-country flight, the pilot observed oil spraying from the left engine accompanied by smoke. The pilot shut down the left engine. Tucson Air Traffic Control declared an emergency and cleared the aircraft to land straight in on Runway 29L. Tower personnel observed the aircraft porpoise approximately 7,000 feet down the runway before it ground looped and slid off the left side of the runway.
Aircraft and Engine Details
The aircraft and its engines had accumulated approximately 249 total flight hours at the time of the incident.
Examination Findings
Examination of the left engine revealed a 3/4-inch crack in the lower front weld seam of the oil cooler. The crack was only visible during pressure testing.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Dec 1985 Piper PA-34T-22OT accident near Tucson, AZ?
During a transborder VFR cross-country flight, the pilot saw oil spraying from the left engine with smoke and shut it down. After declaring an emergency, the aircraft porpoised, ground looped, and slid off the runway. Investigation revealed a crack in the oil cooler weld seam.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Dec 1985 involved a Piper PA-34T-22OT, registration XBDRL, operated by Marco Arvizi, at Tucson, AZ.
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