Aircraft terrain collision following engine oil pressure loss

Casualties unknown • Dayton, TN, US

An aircraft collided with terrain after the pilot attempted a go-around following an engine failure caused by an unapproved crankshaft oil seal.

What happened

While in cruise flight, the pilot observed that the left engine began to lose oil pressure. After receiving vectors to the nearest airport, the pilot noted that the left engine was running with increasing roughness. Consequently, the pilot shut down the left engine while on final approach for runway 3.

During the approach, the pilot realized that manual extension of the landing gear would be necessary. However, there was insufficient time to complete the manual extension, prompting the pilot to attempt a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with the terrain past the runway.

The investigation

An inspection of the engine determined that the loss of oil occurred because the crankshaft oil seal had moved forward on the crankshaft and displaced from the crankcase bore. Further examination of the seal revealed that it was a 'lipped' seal, which was not an approved component for use with this specific crankcase.

Probable cause

The engine lost oil due to the crankshaft oil seal moving out of the crankcase bore, caused by the installation of an unapproved lipped seal.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-05-06 Piper PA-23-160 accident near Dayton, TN?

An aircraft collided with terrain after the pilot attempted a go-around following an engine failure caused by an unapproved crankshaft oil seal.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-05-06 involved a Piper PA-23-160, registration N4300Y, at Dayton, TN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine lost oil due to the crankshaft oil seal moving out of the crankcase bore, caused by the installation of an unapproved lipped seal.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03407. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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