Incident Summary
On 8 February 1998 at 1358 UTC, a Piper PA-28R-201T, registration G-BSPN, experienced an oil pressure anomaly while on a local flight from Sandtoft Airfield. Approximately 15 nautical miles southeast of Teesside International Airport, the pilot noticed the engine low oil pressure warning light had illuminated and the oil pressure gauge indicated zero. At the time, the pilot was receiving air traffic control vectors for an instrument landing system approach to Runway 23 at Teesside Airport. He advised the approach controller of the problem and requested a priority landing, which was granted. The engine continued to operate for the remainder of the flight, allowing the pilot to land without further incident.
Aircraft and Flight Details
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28R-201T, manufactured in 1977, powered by a single Continental TSIO-360-EB piston engine. The flight was conducted under Private category. On board were one crew member and one passenger; no injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained damage to the engine oil cooler, with possible damage to the engine.
Pilot Information
The commander, aged 41, held a Private Pilot's Licence with Instrument, IMC, and Night Ratings. His total flying experience was 514 hours, of which 350 were on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 9 hours, and in the last 28 days, 3 hours.
Maintenance History
The last recorded maintenance was an Annual Check performed on 20 December 1997 by an approved maintenance organisation.
Inspection Findings
An initial examination by the Airport Fire Service revealed that oil had been leaking from the engine oil cooler. It was readily apparent that the cooler had been damaged; three spanners were found lying on the cooler matrix. No further analysis or causal explanation was provided in the source.