Casualties unknown

Pilot Performs Precautionary Landing After Smoke and Oil Pressure Loss (N7470R)

Grass Lake, MI, US

On June 9, 1991, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N7470R) operated by Scott G. Miller was involved in an aviation accident near Grass Lake, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The post-accident investigation revealed that an oil cooler hose had failed, which caused the loss of oil pressure. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot made a precautionary landing in a hay field after noticing smoke and losing oil pressure. Overshooting, the aircraft struck a fence and railroad right of way before stopping on railroad tracks. Investigation found a failed oil cooler hose.

Incident Summary

According to the pilot's statement, while cruising at 3,000 feet mean sea level, smoke was observed in the cockpit, followed by a loss of oil pressure. The pilot reduced engine power to a minimum and elected to perform a precautionary landing in a hay field. However, the aircraft overshot the intended landing site. The pilot then attempted to land in an adjacent field, but during the landing, the aircraft collided with a fence and a railroad right of way. After the collision, the aircraft bounced and slid to a stop on the railroad tracks.

Post-Accident Investigation

A post-accident investigation revealed that an oil cooler hose had failed, which caused the loss of oil pressure. No other factors or conditions were reported in the investigation.

Probable cause

The post-accident investigation revealed that an oil cooler hose had failed, which caused the loss of oil pressure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17216. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.