Casualties unknown

1999-07-14: Piper PA-28R-200 (N56706) — Boca Raton, FL

Boca Raton, FL, US

On July 14, 1999, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N56706) was involved in an aviation accident near Boca Raton, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine lost complete power due to lack of oil lubrication caused by failure of the oil pump idler impeller; an Airworthiness Directive (AD-81-18-04) regarding the oil pump impeller had not been complied with. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a loss of engine power after the oil pump idler impeller failed, leading to a hard landing on a golf course. Post-incident examination revealed non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive.

Incident Summary

A pilot was flying southbound along the coast when the engine oil pressure gauge showed no indication. The pilot turned toward an airport and attempted to climb, but the engine began running rough and subsequently lost all power. At the time, the aircraft was at an altitude of 1,200 feet.

Pilot Actions

The pilot elected to land on a golf course directly ahead and transmitted a Mayday call. The aircraft touched down hard on a fairway, causing the main landing gear to separate before the airplane came to a stop.

Engine Examination

A teardown of the engine revealed that the oil pump idler impeller had failed. This failure led to a lack of oil lubrication, which resulted in the complete loss of engine power.

Maintenance Findings

An Airworthiness Directive (AD-81-18-04) pertaining to the oil pump impeller was found not to have been complied with.

Probable cause

The engine lost complete power due to lack of oil lubrication caused by failure of the oil pump idler impeller; an Airworthiness Directive (AD-81-18-04) regarding the oil pump impeller had not been complied with.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19314. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.