Casualties unknown

Aircraft Forced Landing After Engine Oil Loss on First Post-Overhaul Flight (N57828)

Andrews, TX, US

On February 22, 1996, a Piper PA-36-300 (registration N57828) was involved in an aviation accident near Andrews, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by the installation of an incorrect crankshaft oil seal during the engine overhaul, which became dislodged in flight, and by misalignment of the crankcase halves during a previous modification, which led to crankshaft and crankcase… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane experienced engine oil loss shortly after takeoff on its first flight following an engine overhaul, leading to a forced landing in a rough field. Investigation revealed an incorrect crankshaft oil seal and prior crankcase misalignment.

Incident

The aircraft was on its first flight after an engine overhaul. Shortly after takeoff, the engine blew oil onto the pilot's windshield. The pilot shut down the engine and turned back toward the airport. The airplane was unable to reach the runway and landed in a rough field.

Investigation

An engine teardown revealed that an incorrect crankshaft oil seal had been installed during the overhaul. The seal became dislodged during the flight. Additionally, crankshaft and crankcase damage was found. The damage was determined to be the result of misalignment of the crankcase halves during a previous modification.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the installation of an incorrect crankshaft oil seal during the engine overhaul, which became dislodged in flight, and by misalignment of the crankcase halves during a previous modification, which led to crankshaft and crankcase damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05254. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.