Engine failure and crash during ILS approach

Casualties unknown • Bentonville, AR, US

An aircraft crashed into trees during an emergency landing following an engine failure caused by a loss of oil pressure during an ILS localizer approach.

What happened

During an ILS localizer approach, the pilot reported a loss of oil pressure in the engine. This loss of pressure led to the failure of an engine connecting rod due to insufficient lubrication. The crew subsequently attempted an emergency landing, during which the aircraft crashed into trees.

The investigation

An inspection of the aircraft following the crash revealed that an oil hose located between two oil coolers had become disconnected. The investigation determined that the hose had vibrated free from a fitting, allowing oil to be pumped overboard. While the other oil hoses remained securely fastened, it was noted that the aircraft had recently undergone service involving the installation of new flexible oil hoses.

The company mechanic had not finished the installation of these new hoses before leaving work for the day, deferring the completion of the task until the following Monday. Although the pilot reportedly performed a leak check on the oil hoses prior to the flight, this check was not documented in the maintenance records.

Probable cause

An oil hose between two oil coolers vibrated free from its fitting, causing a loss of oil pressure and subsequent engine connecting rod failure due to lack of lubrication.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1989-09-11 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Bentonville, AR?

An aircraft crashed into trees during an emergency landing following an engine failure caused by a loss of oil pressure during an ILS localizer approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1989-09-11 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N8995N, at Bentonville, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

An oil hose between two oil coolers vibrated free from its fitting, causing a loss of oil pressure and subsequent engine connecting rod failure due to lack of lubrication.

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.

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