On July 14, 1986, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N9306N) operated by Bookstein Aircraft Corporation was involved in an aviation accident near Marathon, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The oil line from the propeller governor to the engine nose case failed in fatigue at a bend, and two required support clamps for the line were not installed. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced engine oil loss and seizure, leading to a ditching in the Gulf of Mexico. Post-crash examination found a fatigued oil line with missing support clamps.
Incident Overview
During flight, the aircraft suffered a loss of engine oil, which resulted in the engine seizing. The pilot subsequently ditched the aircraft in the Gulf of Mexico.
Post-Crash Examination
A thorough examination of the engine after the accident revealed the cause of the oil loss. The oil line connecting the propeller governor to the engine nose case had failed due to fatigue at a bend in the line. Investigators also determined that two required support clamps for this oil line were not installed. The oil line had been replaced just 8 flight hours before the failure occurred.
Probable cause
The oil line from the propeller governor to the engine nose case failed in fatigue at a bend, and two required support clamps for the line were not installed.
What happened in the 14 Jul 1986 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Marathon, FL?
An aircraft experienced engine oil loss and seizure, leading to a ditching in the Gulf of Mexico. Post-crash examination found a fatigued oil line with missing support clamps.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Jul 1986 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N9306N, operated by Bookstein Aircraft Corporation, at Marathon, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The oil line from the propeller governor to the engine nose case failed in fatigue at a bend, and two required support clamps for the line were not installed.
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