On June 7, 1990, a Cessna 208A (registration N803FE) operated by West Air Industries was involved in an aviation accident near Fresno, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of oil pressure was due to oil leaking. The oil filler cap was found improperly adjusted after the original installation, and the maintenance manual does not approve any field repairs on the oil filler cap engaging mechanisms. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An airplane lost oil pressure while climbing through 6,000 ft. The pilot attempted to return but overshot the runway, striking the perimeter fence, trees, a sign post, a light pole, and a car before coming to rest in a residential area. Investigation found the oil filler cap was improperly adjusted, causing the leak.
Incident Summary
While climbing through 6,000 feet, the airplane experienced a loss of engine oil pressure. The pilot requested to return to the departure airport. Air traffic control advised the pilot of a closer airport. The pilot then secured the engine, feathered the propeller, and performed a power-off descent toward the suggested airport. Due to the airplane's altitude, the pilot elected to make a downwind approach to Runway 12L. The airplane overflew the runway and touched down past the departure end. It continued through the airport perimeter fence, striking several trees, a sign post, a light pole, and an automobile before coming to rest in a residential area.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the wreckage determined that the loss of oil pressure was due to oil leaking. The oil filler cap was found improperly adjusted after its original installation. The maintenance manual does not approve any field repairs on the oil filler cap engaging mechanisms. Additionally, the airplane's flaps were found at an intermediate setting of 7 degrees.
Probable cause
The loss of oil pressure was due to oil leaking. The oil filler cap was found improperly adjusted after the original installation, and the maintenance manual does not approve any field repairs on the oil filler cap engaging mechanisms.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 7 Jun 1990 Cessna 208A accident near Fresno, CA?
An airplane lost oil pressure while climbing through 6,000 ft. The pilot attempted to return but overshot the runway, striking the perimeter fence, trees, a sign post, a light pole, and a car before coming to rest in a residential area. Investigation found the oil filler cap was improperly adjusted, causing the leak.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Jun 1990 involved a Cessna 208A, registration N803FE, operated by West Air Industries, at Fresno, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The loss of oil pressure was due to oil leaking. The oil filler cap was found improperly adjusted after the original installation, and the maintenance manual does not approve any field repairs on the oil filler cap engaging mechanisms.