On July 25, 1992, a Cessna 177B (registration N35274) operated by Aero Club OF Clovis was involved in an aviation accident near Clovis, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO IMPROPER OIL FILTER INSTALLATION AND SUBSEQUENT IMPROPER AIRCRAFT CONTROL BY THE PIC WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL. A FACTOR WAS MAINTENANCE INSPECTION NOT PERFORMED AFTER THE OIL FILTER INSTALLATION. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced a total engine power loss after an oil filter change performed without a maintenance engine test run. The airplane entered a nose-high attitude, struck the ground with its right wing, and caught fire. Examination revealed an improperly installed oil filter.
Background
The evening before the flight, a pilot changed the oil and oil filter on the airplane. The pilot did not perform a maintenance engine test run after completing the work.
Accident Sequence
The following morning, a different pilot departed in the airplane. Shortly after departure, a total engine power loss occurred. Witnesses reported that the airplane entered a nose-high attitude, and then the right wing struck the ground. The airplane impacted to the right of the runway and experienced a post-crash fire.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the engine and its accessories revealed that an improper oil filter had been installed.
What happened in the 25 Jul 1992 Cessna 177B accident near Clovis, NM?
An airplane experienced a total engine power loss after an oil filter change performed without a maintenance engine test run. The airplane entered a nose-high attitude, struck the ground with its right wing, and caught fire. Examination revealed an improperly installed oil filter.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Jul 1992 involved a Cessna 177B, registration N35274, operated by Aero Club OF Clovis, at Clovis, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO IMPROPER OIL FILTER INSTALLATION AND SUBSEQUENT IMPROPER AIRCRAFT CONTROL BY THE PIC WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL. A FACTOR WAS MAINTENANCE INSPECTION NOT PERFORMED AFTER THE OIL FILTER INSTALLATION.
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