What happened
On 8 February 1998, a Piper PA-28R-201T, registration G-BSPN, was conducting a private local flight from Sandtoft Airfield. While approximately 15 nautical miles southeast of Teesside International Airport, the pilot observed the engine low oil pressure warning light illuminate and noted that the oil pressure gauge had dropped to zero.
At the time of the failure, the pilot was being provided with air traffic control vectors for an instrument landing system approach to Runway 2D3. The pilot notified the approach controller of the technical issue and requested priority handling. The engine remained operational for the duration of the flight, enabling the pilot to complete the landing at Teesside International Airport without further complications. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger on board.
The investigation
Following the landing, the Airport Fire Service performed an initial inspection of the aircraft. This examination identified that oil was leaking from the engine oil cooler. Investigators discovered that the cooler matrix had sustained damage, noting the presence of three spanners left resting on the cooler during the inspection.
Records indicated that the most recent maintenance performed on the aircraft, which was maintained under the Private category, was an annual check completed by an approved maintenance organisation on 20 December 1997.