On February 25, 1995, a Grumman AA-5B (registration N28815) was involved in an aviation accident near Salisbury, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE SEPARATION OF THE OIL LINE TO THE OIL COOLER WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ENGINE OIL AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE SEIZURE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a hot smell and zero oil pressure after takeoff; continued to destination but engine lost power and seized, forcing an emergency landing in a field. Investigation found an oil line had separated from its engine fitting.
Incident Overview
Shortly after takeoff, the pilot detected a hot smell in the cockpit. A scan of the engine instruments showed no oil pressure. Despite the warning, the pilot continued toward the intended destination, Salisbury. However, the engine subsequently lost power and seized, necessitating an emergency landing in a field.
Emergency Landing
The pilot executed a forced landing in a field. The aircraft came to rest without further incident. No injuries were reported.
Inspection Findings
Post-incident inspection revealed that the oil line connecting the bottom of the oil cooler to the engine had separated from the fitting at the engine. The oil line had been replaced during the most recent annual inspection. The aircraft had accumulated approximately 14 flight hours since the oil line was changed.