No fatalities

Engine Failure During Test Flight Leads to Off-Runway Landing (N2208X)

Broomfield, CO, US

On May 6, 1990, a Cessna 337 (registration N2208X) operated by Out And About Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Broomfield, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed due to the oil dilution line being connected to the pressure port on the oil pump instead of the vacuum port, and maintenance instructions do not provide guidance for the installation. 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 a post-overhaul test flight, a rear engine failed. The pilot could not feather the propeller and overshot the runway, landing in a grass area with substantial damage but no injuries.

Overview

During a test flight conducted after the overhaul of both engines, the rear engine failed while the aircraft was on the downwind leg. The pilot secured the failed engine and attempted to feather the propeller, but the propeller would not feather.

Precautionary Approach and Landing

While executing a precautionary approach, the pilot overflew an available runway and subsequently overshot the intended landing runway. The aircraft then landed in a runup area adjacent to the runway, characterized by a high rate of descent. It came to rest in a grass area located between the runway and the taxiway.

Damage and Injuries

The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot and passenger were not injured.

Engine Failure Cause

Investigation revealed that the engine failed because the oil dilution line was connected to the pressure port on the oil pump instead of the vacuum port. Additionally, the maintenance instructions did not provide guidance for the installation of the oil dilution line.

Probable cause

The engine failed due to the oil dilution line being connected to the pressure port on the oil pump instead of the vacuum port, and maintenance instructions do not provide guidance for the installation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 May 1990 Cessna 337 accident near Broomfield, CO?

During a post-overhaul test flight, a rear engine failed. The pilot could not feather the propeller and overshot the runway, landing in a grass area with substantial damage but no injuries.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 May 1990 Cessna 337 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 May 1990 involved a Cessna 337, registration N2208X, operated by Out And About Aviation, at Broomfield, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failed due to the oil dilution line being connected to the pressure port on the oil pump instead of the vacuum port, and maintenance instructions do not provide guidance for the installation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23128. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.