Casualties unknown

Sudden Oil Pressure Loss During Instructional Flight Leads to Forced Landing and Nose-Over (N64984)

New Roades, LA, US

On August 1, 1990, a Cessna 152 (registration N64984) was involved in an aviation accident near New Roades, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: UNKNOWN MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN ENGINE OIL STARVATION. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS ROUGH TERRAIN IN WHICH THE FORCED LANDING WAS MADE. 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 instructional flight, the engine suffered a sudden loss of oil pressure and RPM, leading to a forced landing during which the airplane nosed over to an inverted position. Post-accident inspection revealed minimal oil and oil expulsion from the breather system.

Incident Overview

During an instructional flight, the engine suffered a sudden loss of oil pressure. As the oil pressure dropped, the engine RPM also decreased. This situation led to the pilot performing a forced landing.

Forced Landing and Nose-Over

During the forced landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.

Post-Accident Examination

After the accident, very little oil was found in the engine system. The oil had been blowing out through the engine breather system. The operator reported that after recovering the wreckage, they blocked off the breather system and pressurized it to 15 psi. Despite this test, they could not find any mechanical issue that might have pressurized the crankcase during flight.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Aug 1990 Cessna 152 accident near New Roades, LA?

During an instructional flight, the engine suffered a sudden loss of oil pressure and RPM, leading to a forced landing during which the airplane nosed over to an inverted position. Post-accident inspection revealed minimal oil and oil expulsion from the breather system.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Aug 1990 involved a Cessna 152, registration N64984, at New Roades, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

UNKNOWN MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN ENGINE OIL STARVATION. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS ROUGH TERRAIN IN WHICH THE FORCED LANDING WAS MADE.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24008. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.