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Engine Oil Starvation Caused by Incorrect Oil Separator Installation Leads to Power Loss and Crash near Daytona Beach (N28140)

Daytona Beach, FL, US

On July 24, 1988, a Bellanca 17-30A (registration N28140) was involved in an aviation accident near Daytona Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent adaptation of a drain line on a recently installed oil separator kit to a pressure port instead of a suction port, resulting in the diversion of engine oil overboard and subsequent oil starvation, leading to engine seizure and power… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft lost power and crashed into trees shortly after departing Spruce Creek Airport. Post-crash examination revealed a recently installed oil separator kit's drain line was connected to a pressure port instead of a suction port, causing oil starvation and engine seizure.

Incident Overview

An aircraft departed Spruce Creek Airport and approximately two minutes later experienced a loss of engine power. The aircraft subsequently crashed into trees located just west of the Volusia County Landfill, about four miles northeast of the Daytona Beach Regional Airport.

Post-Crash Examination

Following the accident, a detailed examination of the engine was conducted. The inspection revealed that a drain line on an oil separator kit, which had been recently installed, was inadvertently adapted to a pressure port on the engine case rather than a suction port. This misconnection diverted the engine oil overboard through the oil separator's vent tube.

Consequences

As a result of the oil being diverted overboard, the engine was starved of lubrication. The engine sustained major damage, with evidence of seizure.

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent adaptation of a drain line on a recently installed oil separator kit to a pressure port instead of a suction port, resulting in the diversion of engine oil overboard and subsequent oil starvation, leading to engine seizure and power loss.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jul 1988 Bellanca 17-30A accident near Daytona Beach, FL?

An aircraft lost power and crashed into trees shortly after departing Spruce Creek Airport. Post-crash examination revealed a recently installed oil separator kit's drain line was connected to a pressure port instead of a suction port, causing oil starvation and engine seizure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jul 1988 involved a Bellanca 17-30A, registration N28140, at Daytona Beach, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadvertent adaptation of a drain line on a recently installed oil separator kit to a pressure port instead of a suction port, resulting in the diversion of engine oil overboard and subsequent oil starvation, leading to engine seizure and power loss.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26299. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.