Casualties unknown

2006-12-09: Piper PA-12 (N3222M) — Wendy S. Lessig — Antelope Island, UT

Antelope Island, UT, US

On December 9, 2006, a Piper PA-12 (registration N3222M) operated by Wendy S. Lessig was involved in an aviation accident near Antelope Island, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive braking during a precautionary landing at an off-airport landing area. A contributing factor was the pilot's non-standard modification of the oil cooler, which resulted in high engine oil temperature. 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 taped the oil cooler intake before flight. Oil temperature exceeded red line, prompting a precautionary off-airport landing. Excessive braking during the landing roll caused the aircraft to nose-over, resulting in substantial damage.

Background

During a post-accident telephone conversation with a National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that prior to the accident flight, she placed tape on the intake side of the oil cooler. Her intention was to prevent the oil "from running so cool."

Accident Sequence

Approximately 15 minutes after takeoff, the pilot observed that the oil temperature was "over the red line." She decided to make a precautionary off-airport landing. During the landing roll, the pilot applied the brakes excessively, causing the airplane to nose-over.

Outcome

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. A witness, another pilot, observed the accident, landed without incident, and provided assistance to the accident pilot.

The probable cause of the accident was not stated in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070129X00105. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.