On October 28, 1987, a Piper PA-32-301 (registration N43639) was involved in an aviation accident near Iliamna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine oil pressure during cruise flight, which resulted from a broken gear in the oil pump and an out-of-balance, worn oil pump drive shaft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft lost oil pressure during cruise flight, forcing the pilot to attempt an emergency landing on a small airstrip. The plane overshot the runway and crashed into Iliamna Lake.
What happened
The aircraft experienced a loss of engine oil pressure while in cruise flight. The pilot attempted to land on a small airstrip but was unable to reach it, resulting in an overrun into nearby tundra and subsequently into Iliamna Lake.
The investigation
A teardown of the oil pump revealed significant mechanical failures. One gear was split, and another had a broken tooth. The inspection also showed that the oil pump drive shaft was out of balance and worn.
Findings
The primary issue was fuel exhaustion due to the engine failure caused by the damaged oil pump components.
Probable cause
The loss of engine oil pressure during cruise flight, which resulted from a broken gear in the oil pump and an out-of-balance, worn oil pump drive shaft.
What happened in the 28 Oct 1987 Piper PA-32-301 accident near Iliamna, AK?
An aircraft lost oil pressure during cruise flight, forcing the pilot to attempt an emergency landing on a small airstrip. The plane overshot the runway and crashed into Iliamna Lake.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Oct 1987 involved a Piper PA-32-301, registration N43639, at Iliamna, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The loss of engine oil pressure during cruise flight, which resulted from a broken gear in the oil pump and an out-of-balance, worn oil pump drive shaft.
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