No fatalities

1985-02-22: Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) (N60817) — Robson S. Walton — Bentonville, United States of America

Bentonville, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On February 22, 1985, a Piper PA-61 Aerostar (Ted Smith 601) (registration N60817) operated by Robson S. Walton was involved in an aviation accident near Bentonville, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (partial) - nonmechanical Phase of operation: climb - to cruise Findings 1. (c) lubricating system, oil line - failure,total 2. (c) lubricating system, oil line - corroded 3. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781218674Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a loss of power on the right engine, leading to a forced landing. During the landing, the aircraft contacted livestock and a fence, and the landing gear collapsed. The pilot sustained minor injuries.

Incident Overview

An aircraft experienced a loss of power on the right engine, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing. During the landing roll, the aircraft contacted livestock and a fence, and the landing gear collapsed. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries.

Pilot Actions

The pilot reported that after feathering the right engine propeller and lowering the landing gear, he observed that the auxiliary hydraulic system pressure gauge indicated zero.

Post-Accident Inspection Findings

A post-accident inspection revealed evidence of an oil leak from the left lower section of the right engine. Subsequent testing determined that the leak originated from the oil cooler pressure line, which had failed due to severe corrosion of the wire braid and deformation of the inner cover.

Auxiliary Hydraulic System

Testing of the auxiliary hydraulic pressure pump disclosed that the 35-ampere current limiter was blown, and 40 amperes were required to drive the pump motor.

Damage and Injuries

The aircraft contacted livestock and a fence, resulting in damage. During the landing roll, the landing gear collapsed. The pilot was slightly injured.

Probable cause

Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (partial) - nonmechanical Phase of operation: climb - to cruise Findings 1. (c) lubricating system, oil line - failure,total 2. (c) lubricating system, oil line - corroded 3. (c) fluid, oil - leak ---------- Occurrence #2: forced landing Phase of operation: descent - emergency ---------- Occurrence #3: airframe/component/system failure/malfunction Phase of operation: descent - emergency Findings 4. Hydraulic system, pump - improper ---------- Occurrence #4: on ground/water collision with object Phase of operation: landing - roll Findings 5. Object - animal(s) 6. Object - fence ---------- Occurrence #5: gear collapsed Phase of operation: landing - roll Findings 7. Terrain condition - rough/uneven 8. Landing gear - overload