On July 9, 2004, a Cessna 340A (registration N60PP) was involved in an aviation accident near Mason City, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The proper touchdown point not obtain/maintained by the pilot following a single-engine approach to landing. Contributing factors were the vacuum pump oil leak, the low oil pressure of the propeller control system, and the unfeathered propeller. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane touched down 7 feet short of the runway after the pilot shut down the right engine due to zero oil pressure. The right engine turbocharger was seized, and oil was found in vacuum and deice lines.
Incident Overview
During cruise flight at 16,000 feet, the right engine experienced a loss of oil pressure. The pilot reported that he believed he could "easily" reach the destination despite the issue. While on final approach in reported visual meteorological conditions, the pilot canceled his instrument flight rules flight plan and executed a visual approach.
Landing and Engine Shutdown
On short final, the oil pressure dropped to zero. The pilot then shut down the right engine but was unable to feather the propeller. The airplane subsequently touched down approximately 7 feet short of the landing runway.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed that the vacuum line and wing boot deice lines were filled with oil. The right engine turbocharger was found to be "seized-up." However, inspection of the turbocharger bearings and shaft showed no evidence of overheating, and they displayed circumferential wear consistent with normal operation. Additionally, the right engine-driven vacuum pump was full of oil and contained an internal oil separator.