On May 29, 1987, a Cessna 172 (registration N4173F) operated by Robert W. Baucum was involved in an aviation accident near Prospect, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power due to loss of oil pressure caused by multiple oil leaks. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft lost engine power during cruise due to oil pressure loss from multiple leaks. The engine had exceeded its recommended TBO. The pilot had not filed a flight plan. During the forced landing, the aircraft collided with trees.
Incident Details
During a cross-country flight, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power while in cruise. The loss of power necessitated a forced landing. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with trees.
Engine and Maintenance History
The engine had accumulated a total of 2,344 hours of operation. The manufacturer-recommended time between overhauls (TBO) was 1,800 hours. A top overhaul had been completed 140 flight hours prior to the accident. The investigation found multiple oil leaks, which resulted in a loss of oil pressure and subsequent engine power loss. The aircraft had been flown only 25 hours in the three years preceding the accident.
Flight Planning
The pilot departed on the cross-country flight without filing a flight plan.
Probable cause
Loss of engine power due to loss of oil pressure caused by multiple oil leaks.
What happened in the 29 May 1987 Cessna 172 accident near Prospect, OR?
An aircraft lost engine power during cruise due to oil pressure loss from multiple leaks. The engine had exceeded its recommended TBO. The pilot had not filed a flight plan. During the forced landing, the aircraft collided with trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 May 1987 involved a Cessna 172, registration N4173F, operated by Robert W. Baucum, at Prospect, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Loss of engine power due to loss of oil pressure caused by multiple oil leaks.
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