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Casualties unknown

Engine Failure During Cruise Results in Collision with Trees (N859KW)

Sanford, FL, US

On June 26, 1997, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N859KW) was involved in an aviation accident near Sanford, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the oil cooler radiator hose which resulted in oil exhaustion and subsequent engine failure. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the FAA to require a recurrent detailed examination and or require those hoses be life limited to prevent… 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During cruise flight at 1,500 feet, the engine rpm decreased despite full throttle, leading to engine failure. The pilot attempted a forced landing in a field but collided with trees and became suspended. Post-crash examination revealed a failed oil radiator hose.

Accident Synopsis

While in level cruise at an altitude of 1,500 feet, the engine rpm began to decrease. The pilot applied full throttle, but the rpm continued to drop until the engine failed completely. During the subsequent descent for a forced landing in a field, the airplane collided with trees and remained suspended in them.

Engine Examination

Post-crash examination of the engine revealed that the flexible oil radiator hose, which connects the engine-driven oil pump to the oil cooler, had failed. The failure occurred approximately 27 inches forward of the engine-driven oil pump outlet.

Maintenance History

Review of the maintenance records indicated that the failed hose had been last replaced on May 1, 1977, in compliance with a non-repetitive Airworthiness Directive. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated 2,388.1 hours since the hose replacement, a period of 20 years, 1 month, and 25 days. The hose was classified as an on-condition item.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jun 1997 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Sanford, FL?

During cruise flight at 1,500 feet, the engine rpm decreased despite full throttle, leading to engine failure. The pilot attempted a forced landing in a field but collided with trees and became suspended. Post-crash examination revealed a failed oil radiator hose.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jun 1997 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N859KW, at Sanford, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the oil cooler radiator hose which resulted in oil exhaustion and subsequent engine failure. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the FAA to require a recurrent detailed examination and or require those hoses be life limited to prevent failure. Also, unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08201. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.