1992-06-16: Piper PA-24-180 — Hugh J. Harmon — Felton, PA

Casualties unknown • Felton, PA, US

Probable cause

A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. AN ADDITIONAL CAUSE WAS THE FAILURE OF THE MECHANIC TO TIGHTEN THE OIL RETURN LINE ON THE NUMBER THREE CYLINDER. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PRESSURE THE MECHANIC FELT TO COMPLETE THE JOB IN A TIMELY MANNER.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

AFTER TAKEOFF, FOLLOWING THE INSTALLATION OF A PROPELLER GOVERNOR OIL LINE, A LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE WAS NOTICED. A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS MADE IN A WHEAT FIELD. THE OIL RETURN LINE FROM THE NUMBER THREE CYLINDER WAS FOUND DISCONNECTED. THE MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED THE WORK STATED HE WAS A ONE MAN SHOP AND DUE TO DIFFICULTIES, THE JOB TOOK 3 HOURS INSTEAD OF THE PROJECTED 1 1/2 HOURS. HE ALSO SAID HE ALLOWED CUSTOMER PRESSURE TO OVERRIDE HIS STANDARDS.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-06-16 Piper PA-24-180 accident near Felton, PA?

AFTER TAKEOFF, FOLLOWING THE INSTALLATION OF A PROPELLER GOVERNOR OIL LINE, A LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE WAS NOTICED. A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS MADE IN A WHEAT FIELD. THE OIL RETURN LINE FROM THE NUMBER THREE CYLINDER WAS FOUND DISCONNECTED. THE MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED THE WORK STATED HE WAS A ONE MAN SHOP AND DUE TO…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-06-16 involved a Piper PA-24-180, registration N21RE, operated by Hugh J. Harmon, at Felton, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. AN ADDITIONAL CAUSE WAS THE FAILURE OF THE MECHANIC TO TIGHTEN THE OIL RETURN LINE ON THE NUMBER THREE CYLINDER. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PRESSURE THE MECHANIC FELT TO COMPLETE THE JOB IN A TIMELY MANNER.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14976. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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