On November 16, 1992, a Cessna 152 (registration N67766) operated by Sanders, Bill H. was involved in an aviation accident near Kechi, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: MAINTENANCE NOT PERFORMED (GASKET DETERIORATED), OTHER MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a night VFR cruise, a pilot experienced low engine RPM and no oil pressure, leading to a forced landing on a roadway. After total power failure, the airplane struck a utility pole. Investigation found oil leaked from a deteriorated gasket on the oil filter adapter.
Incident Overview
During a night visual flight rules (VFR) cruise, the pilot noticed that the engine RPM was low and there was no oil pressure. The pilot selected a roadway for a forced landing. While maneuvering to land, the engine experienced a total power failure. As the pilot maneuvered to avoid wires prior to touchdown, he was unable to maintain alignment on the road. At touchdown, the airplane exited the road and impacted a utility pole.
Engine Examination
An examination of the engine revealed that all usable engine lubricating oil had leaked from the oil filter adapter mounting. The gasket on the adapter was found to be deteriorated. A review of the maintenance records could not determine the most recent maintenance performed on the mounting adapter or the gasket.