Casualties unknown

1995-12-30: Mooney M20 (N3750H) — Eastover, SC

Eastover, SC, US

On December 30, 1995, a Mooney M20 (registration N3750H) was involved in an aviation accident near Eastover, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The oil pump driven gear failed due to lack of lubrication; a service instruction to increase lubrication of the oil pump driven gear had not been accomplished during a prior field overhaul. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During flight, a pilot experienced a loss of oil pressure and subsequent engine failure. A forced landing was attempted, but on final approach the airplane struck a guy wire. Investigation revealed the oil pump driven gear failed due to lack of lubrication, and a prior service instruction had not been followed.

Incident Overview

The pilot reported a loss of oil pressure during flight, which was followed by a loss of engine power. The pilot executed a forced landing. On the final approach to the landing site, the airplane struck a guy wire.

Engine Examination

Post-incident examination of the engine oil pump revealed that the oil pump driven gear had failed. The failure was attributed to a lack of lubrication. Subsequent damage occurred to the #3 connecting rod and the camshaft.

Maintenance History

The engine had been overhauled in the field prior to the incident. During that overhaul, a service instruction intended to increase lubrication of the oil pump driven gear had not been accomplished.

Probable Cause

The probable cause was the failure of the oil pump driven gear due to lack of lubrication, as the service instruction to enhance lubrication had not been performed during the previous overhaul.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X05060. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.