FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Oil Cap Improperly Secured Leads to Right Engine Failure and Stall During Landing (N87358)

Grants, NM, US

On December 30, 1997, a Cessna 310R (registration N87358) was involved in an aviation accident near Grants, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. A factor related to the accident was the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to secure the right engine oil cap, resulting in oil exhaustion and the loss of engine… 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 flight, oil was observed leaking from the right engine. The pilot feathered the engine but could not maintain altitude. On approach, the right engine stopped short of the runway, causing a stall and impact.

Incident Summary

The pilot serviced the right engine with oil before departure. While in flight, oil was observed coming from the rear of the right engine. The pilot feathered the right engine; however, the aircraft was not able to maintain altitude, so he brought the right engine back on line.

Flight Details

Prior to landing, the pilot lowered the landing gear and feathered the propeller. The right engine stopped at approximately 100 feet short of the approach end of the runway. The aircraft stalled approximately 15 feet above the ground, dropped suddenly, and then impacted the ground.

Postaccident Examination

Postaccident examination of the aircraft by an FAA inspector revealed that the oil cap was not properly secured on the right engine. As a result, oil was being siphoned from the oil filler tube.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09315. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.