On January 21, 1989, a Piper PA-28R-201 (registration N3536M) was involved in an aviation accident near Brighton, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The oil quick drain valve, which was not approved for the aircraft model, was pushed open by landing gear retraction, resulting in loss of oil and engine seizure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot experienced rapid oil pressure loss during a cross-country flight. An off-airport landing was attempted but the engine seized. The aircraft made a wheels-up landing on a gravel road and hit a berm. Investigation found an unapproved oil quick drain valve was pushed open by landing gear retraction, causing oil loss and engine seizure.
Flight and Incident
The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight when a rapid decrease in oil pressure was observed. An off-airport landing was elected, but the engine seized before the intended landing area could be reached. The aircraft subsequently performed a wheels-up landing, touching down initially on a gravel road and striking a berm before coming to a stop. The aircraft sustained damage during this event.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the aircraft and engine revealed that an oil quick drain valve (Aeroquip part number AE80664H) had been installed on July 10, 1987. The valve was fitted with a 4-3/8 inch hose that extended below the engine reservoir in the vicinity of the landing gear. The investigation determined that the drain valve was pushed open by the movement of the landing gear as it was being retracted. This resulted in a loss of oil and subsequent engine seizure. Notably, this drain valve was not approved for installation on this model of aircraft.
Relevant Directives
Piper Service Letter 910 and Airworthiness Directive 81-11-02/R1 specified the use of an alternative valve (Piper part number 492-172V) for this application.
Probable cause
The oil quick drain valve, which was not approved for the aircraft model, was pushed open by landing gear retraction, resulting in loss of oil and engine seizure.
What happened in the 21 Jan 1989 Piper PA-28R-201 accident near Brighton, MI?
A pilot experienced rapid oil pressure loss during a cross-country flight. An off-airport landing was attempted but the engine seized. The aircraft made a wheels-up landing on a gravel road and hit a berm. Investigation found an unapproved oil quick drain valve was pushed open by landing gear retraction, causing oil…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Jan 1989 involved a Piper PA-28R-201, registration N3536M, at Brighton, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The oil quick drain valve, which was not approved for the aircraft model, was pushed open by landing gear retraction, resulting in loss of oil and engine seizure.
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