On October 6, 1991, a Beech C-45H (registration N166ZA) operated by David N. Gouldsmith was involved in an aviation accident near Edinburg, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A total loss of power on the right engine due to an oil system failure during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A total loss of power occurred on the right engine shortly after takeoff due to an oil system failure, leading to a forced landing in a bean field adjacent to the departure airport.
What happened
The aircraft was operating under the authority of a ferry permit when the incident occurred. Shortly after initiating takeoff, the pilot experienced a complete loss of power specifically on the right engine. The failure was attributed to an oil system malfunction.
In response to the emergency, the pilot executed a forced landing in a bean field located adjacent to the departure airport. During the impact of the landing, the right engine separated from the airframe before the aircraft came to rest.
The investigation
The examination focused on the mechanical failure that led to the power loss. The investigation determined that the root cause was an oil system failure within the right engine.
Probable cause
A total loss of power on the right engine due to an oil system failure during takeoff.