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Disconnected Oil Hose Leads to Engine Failure and Crash (N8995N)

Bentonville, AR, US

On September 11, 1989, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N8995N) was involved in an aviation accident near Bentonville, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A LOOSE OIL LINE THAT BECAME DISCONNECTED, WHEN MAINTENANCE/INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT HAD NOT BEEN COMPLETED, WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF ENGINE OIL AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE CONNECTING ROD FROM LACK OF LUBRICATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During an ILS approach, the pilot reported a loss of oil pressure. The engine failed due to lack of lubrication. Investigation revealed a disconnected oil hose between two oil coolers. Maintenance work had been deferred.

Incident

While flying an instrument landing system localizer (ILS LOC) approach, the pilot reported a loss of oil pressure. Subsequently, a connecting rod in the engine failed due to inadequate lubrication. The aircraft then crashed into trees during an emergency landing.

Maintenance Background

The aircraft was a company-owned aircraft that had recently been serviced with new flexible oil hoses. The company mechanic did not complete the installation of these hoses before leaving work for the day, deferring the remaining work until the following Monday. A leak check of the oil hoses was reportedly performed by the pilot, but this check was not recorded in the maintenance log prior to the flight.

Post-Accident Examination

After the accident, an examination of the aircraft uncovered a disconnected oil hose between two oil coolers. This hose had vibrated free from its fitting, causing oil to be pumped overboard. The other oil hoses remained securely fastened.

Engine failure

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Sept 1989 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Bentonville, AR?

During an ILS approach, the pilot reported a loss of oil pressure. The engine failed due to lack of lubrication. Investigation revealed a disconnected oil hose between two oil coolers. Maintenance work had been deferred.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Sept 1989 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N8995N, at Bentonville, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A LOOSE OIL LINE THAT BECAME DISCONNECTED, WHEN MAINTENANCE/INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT HAD NOT BEEN COMPLETED, WHICH RESULTED IN LOSS OF ENGINE OIL AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE CONNECTING ROD FROM LACK OF LUBRICATION. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: INADEQUATE SURVEILLANCE OF THE OPERATION BY…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29456. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.