Casualties unknown

1991-02-25: North American T-28B (N138WW) — Worldwide Aeronautical Ind,inc — Mesa, AZ

Mesa, AZ, US

On February 25, 1991, a North American T-28B (registration N138WW) operated by Worldwide Aeronautical Ind,inc was involved in an aviation accident near Mesa, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the engine upper crankcase oil breather line, which allowed engine oil to vent overboard, resulting in oil loss and engine seizure. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a total loss of engine power after the engine upper crankcase oil breather line failed, causing oil to vent overboard. The pilot attempted a road landing but diverted to an open area, where a stall on short final resulted in a hard landing.

Incident Overview

During cruise flight, the engine upper crankcase oil breather line of the aircraft failed. This failure allowed engine oil to vent overboard. The resulting lack of oil caused the engine to seize, leading to a total loss of engine power.

Forced Landing Attempt

Following the power loss, the pilot set up a power-off approach to a road. However, due to excessive vehicular traffic on the road, the pilot altered the aircraft's course and attempted to land in an open area.

Stall and Hard Landing

On short final approach to the open area, the pilot observed high tension wires. To avoid a collision, the pilot pulled the nose of the aircraft up. The aircraft cleared the wires, but the maneuver slowed the airspeed, causing the aircraft to stall. The subsequent landing was hard.

Probable cause

Failure of the engine upper crankcase oil breather line, which allowed engine oil to vent overboard, resulting in oil loss and engine seizure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16482. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.