On April 19, 2000, a Mooney M20F (registration N7038V) was involved in an aviation accident near Tomball, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine seizure due to the rupture of an oil cooler line. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During climb, engine oil pressure dropped to zero; engine shook for 15 seconds then seized. Pilot landed gear-up in a field short of the runway. Examination revealed a ruptured oil cooler line and a connecting rod protruding from the crankcase.
Flight Events
The airplane was climbing through 4,000 feet mean sea level when the engine rpm increased and oil pressure dropped to zero. The pilot reported the situation to departure control, which vectored the airplane toward the nearest airport. Subsequently, the engine began to shake violently for approximately 15 seconds before seizing.
Landing
The pilot elected to land in a field short of the runway. The airplane touched down approximately wings level with the landing gear retracted and slid through the field for roughly 125 feet before coming to a stop. The pilot stated that he did not lower the landing gear due to the need to maintain altitude and airspeed to reach the field.
Engine Examination
Examination of the engine revealed that the #4 connecting rod was protruding from the crankcase. Further examination showed that an oil cooler line had ruptured. The last annual inspection had been completed on March 19, 2000, eight flight hours prior to the accident.