What happened
On the morning of July 29, 1998, a Piper PA 28 Archer 2, registration F-GHRJ, departed from Carpentras for a ferry flight. Shortly after takeoff, while the pilot was in contact with the Avignon tower, the engine's oil pressure began to drop rapidly. This was immediately followed by oil spraying out of the engine compartment.
In response to the loss of oil, the pilot performed an emergency landing in a nearby field. There were no fatalities or injuries resulting from the incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure and the state of the aircraft following the landing. Upon inspection of the aircraft on the ground, investigators confirmed that the engine had seized due to a total loss of lubrication.
Technical examination revealed that the vacuum pump had been transferred from this aircraft to another member of the flying club. During the removal of the pump, the drive orifice was left unsealed. This open port allowed engine oil to escape the system during flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine seizure was an incomplete maintenance intervention regarding the vacuum pump removal.
- The failure to plug the vacuum pump drive orifice after the component was transferred allowed oil to leak from the engine.
- While the practice of transferring equipment between aircraft was common within the club, the specific oversight in sealing the port led to the loss of oil pressure.