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.