On August 3, 1988, a Mooney M20E (registration N9273M) operated by Stanford, William L. was involved in an aviation accident near Visalia, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Pilot removed vacuum pump without installing cover plate; after takeoff oil pressure dropped and temperature rose; engine seized; forced landing in cotton field.
Incident Summary
An aviation incident occurred during a local flight when the engine seized after the pilot had removed the vacuum pump without installing a cover plate. The pilot executed a forced landing in a cotton field.
Background
Prior to the flight, the pilot removed the vacuum pump from the engine. The removal was due to an internal failure within the pump. The pilot did not install a cover plate over the accessory mounting hole that had been vacated by the pump.
Flight and Engine Failure
After taking off for a local flight, the pilot noticed that the oil pressure was dropping and the oil temperature was rising. He elected to return to the airport. During the return, the engine seized. The pilot then conducted a forced landing in a cotton field.
Outcome
The forced landing was completed in the cotton field.