No fatalities

Hard Landing on Golf Course Following Engine Power Loss Due to Oil Pump Failure (N56706)

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. No fatalities were reported. 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 2026-07-04Data 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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jul 1999 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Boca Raton, FL?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jul 1999 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jul 1999 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N56706, at Boca Raton, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.