On January 5, 1989, a Cessna R172K (registration N736BX) operated by Harris, Stephen P. was involved in an aviation accident near Margate, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine lost power due to oil starvation caused by failure of the engine-driven oil pump drive shaft after foreign objects became lodged between the housing and the gears. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While being vectored for a localizer intercept at 2,200 ft about 5 miles from the airport, the RPM gauge fluctuated. The pilot applied full throttle and mixture controls but the engine lost power. During a night off-airport forced landing, the aircraft collided with trees. Examination revealed oil starvation due to a failed oil pump drive shaft.
Accident Description
The aircraft was being vectored to intercept the localizer course at an altitude of approximately 2,200 feet and about 5 miles from the airport when the RPM gauge fluctuated. The pilot applied full throttle, mixture, and propeller controls, but the engine subsequently lost power. A forced landing was initiated off-airport at night, during which the aircraft collided with trees.
Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine revealed evidence of oil starvation. The engine-driven oil pump drive shaft had failed from overload after foreign objects became lodged between the housing and the gears. Additionally, there was evidence of engine seizure after the #6 connecting rod had failed, and the #5 connecting rod had also failed from overload.
Probable cause
The engine lost power due to oil starvation caused by failure of the engine-driven oil pump drive shaft after foreign objects became lodged between the housing and the gears.
What happened in the 5 Jan 1989 Cessna R172K accident near Margate, FL?
While being vectored for a localizer intercept at 2,200 ft about 5 miles from the airport, the RPM gauge fluctuated. The pilot applied full throttle and mixture controls but the engine lost power. During a night off-airport forced landing, the aircraft collided with trees. Examination revealed oil starvation due to a…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Jan 1989 involved a Cessna R172K, registration N736BX, operated by Harris, Stephen P., at Margate, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine lost power due to oil starvation caused by failure of the engine-driven oil pump drive shaft after foreign objects became lodged between the housing and the gears.
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