On September 9, 1999, a Cessna 172K (registration N84385) operated by Mark Chase was involved in an aviation accident near Pickrell, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loose oil dipstick guide tube resulting in loss of oil and the engine failure. The night condition was a contributing factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a night forced landing following engine power loss, a pilot landed on a gravel road and impacted a sign. The engine had a loose oil dipstick guide tube causing oil loss.
Accident Overview
The airplane experienced a loss of engine power during a night flight, leading to a forced landing. The pilot reported that the engine was running so rough that it felt as if it had half a propeller. He additionally stated that he could not read the airspeed indicator or altimeter during the event.
Approach and Landing
The pilot circled twice over an unlit gravel road before attempting to land. He touched down on the road twice before the airplane impacted a sign. The pilot made the landing with 15 degrees of flaps, rather than full flaps, because the vibration required both hands to fly the aircraft.
Engine Examination
Post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the engine oil dipstick guide tube was loose. This condition resulted in a loss of engine oil.
Pilot Statements
The pilot provided the account of the flight and landing. He indicated that the roughness and vibration made it impossible to read instruments and necessitated a flap setting of 15 degrees.