On July 7, 1993, a Piper PA-24-180 (registration N7443P) operated by Andrew G. Smith Iii was involved in an aviation accident near Madison Heights, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Oil starvation due to a ruptured oil cooler line that was deteriorated near the exhaust stack. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
While cruising at 3,000 ft, a pilot reported losing oil pressure. During vectoring to an airport, the engine failed. Witnesses observed smoke and sputtering, then the airplane pitched up, banked left, and struck a tree. Examination revealed a ruptured oil cooler line caused oil starvation.
Event Details
While in cruise flight at 3,000 feet, the pilot reported to air traffic control (ATC) that the engine was losing oil pressure. ATC vectored the aircraft toward an airport. Shortly after, the pilot reported that the engine was failing. Witnesses on the ground observed smoke emanating from the airplane and heard a sputtering engine noise. The engine noise then ceased, and the airplane was seen to pitch up, bank left, and impact a tree.
Engine Examination
Post-impact examination of the engine revealed that the engine had suffered oil starvation due to a ruptured oil cooler line. The line was found to be deteriorated near the area closest to the exhaust stack. Maintenance logs were not recovered.
Probable cause
Oil starvation due to a ruptured oil cooler line that was deteriorated near the exhaust stack.