What happened
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot noticed a sudden loss of engine oil pressure. The engine subsequently seized, forcing the pilot to execute an emergency landing short of the runway. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) antenna, which resulted in the severing of the right wing.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the engine oil cooler line had burst. The failure was attributed to aging of the component. Records indicated that the line was originally fabricated in the first quarter of 1972. Although the oil cooler itself had been replaced during the last 100-hour inspection on June 20, 1986, the oil cooler line remained the original part.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was the fuel system component failure due to age, specifically the bursting of the engine oil cooler line. This mechanical failure caused the loss of oil pressure and subsequent engine seizure. The pilot's decision to land short of the runway resulted in ground contact with the ILS antenna.
Safety message
This incident highlights the importance of monitoring the age and service life of aircraft components, particularly those subject to aging and fatigue, even when other related parts have been recently replaced.