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Engine Failure Due to Turbocharger Oil Line Rupture During Local Flight (N9653Y)

Durango, CO, US

On February 10, 1991, a Beech P-35 (registration N9653Y) operated by James M. Dale was involved in an aviation accident near Durango, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the turbocharger oil feed line, which caused a loss of lubricating oil to the engine and subsequent mechanical failure. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A local flight ended in a forced landing short of the runway after the engine failed mechanically due to a turbocharger oil feed line failure.

What happened

During a local flight, the aircraft experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure. The turbocharger oil feed line ruptured, resulting in the complete loss of lubricating oil to the engine. Without proper lubrication, the engine failed mechanically while the aircraft was airborne.

Following the failure, the pilot attempted an emergency engine-out landing at the airport. The attempt was unsuccessful, and the aircraft touched down approximately 200 feet short of the approach end of the runway. The impact occurred in rough terrain adjacent to the airfield.

Probable cause

The failure of the turbocharger oil feed line, which caused a loss of lubricating oil to the engine and subsequent mechanical failure.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Feb 1991 Beech P-35 accident near Durango, CO?

A local flight ended in a forced landing short of the runway after the engine failed mechanically due to a turbocharger oil feed line failure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Feb 1991 involved a Beech P-35, registration N9653Y, operated by James M. Dale, at Durango, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the turbocharger oil feed line, which caused a loss of lubricating oil to the engine and subsequent mechanical failure.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16443. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.