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Forced Landing After Engine Failure During Training Flight (N4490X)

Monee, IL, US

On March 23, 1990, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N4490X) operated by Griffith Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Monee, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL STARVATION RESULTING FROM IMPROPER MAINTENANCE AND DIRECTIVE COMPLIANCE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILED PART. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During an instrument cross-country training flight, an engine RPM surge followed by smoke and oil streaming led to an engine seizure. The pilot performed a forced landing in a soft field; landing gear collapsed. Both pilots sustained minor injuries.

Incident Overview

An instructor pilot and a private pilot rated student were conducting an instrument cross-country training flight. During the flight, the pilot experienced an engine RPM surge that exceeded the red line. Immediately thereafter, smoke appeared in the cockpit, and oil began streaming over the windshield.

Emergency Response

The pilot reduced engine power and declared an emergency. Air traffic control provided a wind steer to the nearest airport. However, the engine seized before the pilot could reach the airport.

Forced Landing and Damage

The pilot executed a forced landing in a soft farmer's field. During rollout, all landing gear collapsed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and both pilots received minor injuries.

Investigation Findings

Investigation revealed that the propeller governor oil line had fractured at the forward attachment nut. Additionally, the forward oil line support clamp was broken, and the aft oil line support clamp was missing. Maintenance records indicated that an airworthiness directive pertaining to the installation and end fittings of the propeller governor oil line had been complied with 14 flight hours before the mishap.

Engine failureMaintenance error

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Mar 1990 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Monee, IL?

During an instrument cross-country training flight, an engine RPM surge followed by smoke and oil streaming led to an engine seizure. The pilot performed a forced landing in a soft field; landing gear collapsed. Both pilots sustained minor injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 23 Mar 1990 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Mar 1990 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N4490X, operated by Griffith Aviation, at Monee, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL STARVATION RESULTING FROM IMPROPER MAINTENANCE AND DIRECTIVE COMPLIANCE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FAILED PART.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22690. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.