# NTSB investigations: Recip eng oil sys

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

Page 1 of 3 · 131 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB ERA26LA348](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA348.md): Hopwood Joseph R Zodiac · Stockton, AL · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Sep 20, 2026 · N601LL · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power due to a missing exhaust clamp bolt and subsequent oil loss due to a damaged engine oil return line, which resulted in the pilot’s decision to perform an off-airport landing.
- [NTSB ERA26LA176](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26LA176.md): Icon A5 · Levittown, PR · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 15, 2026 · N558BA · Substantial damage
  > An oil line separation at a barbed fitting in an experimental airplane, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.
- [NTSB ERA25LA123](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25LA123.md): Cessna 172C · Argyle, NY · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Feb 20, 2025 · N1609Y · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic’s incorrect installation of the oil temperature gauge probe in the oil filter adapter and failure to test run the engine for oil leaks after the installation, which resulted in a total loss of oil and the pilot’s decision to perform a…
- [NTSB WPR24LA135](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA135.md): Bellanca 17-31ATC · El Cajon, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 29, 2024 · N8800V · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s improper installation of an engine-driven vacuum pump, which resulted in oil starvation to the engine and a subsequent total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the A&P IA’s lack of supervision.
- [NTSB ERA24LA198](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA198.md): Cessna 172 · Palatka, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 29, 2024 · N99442 · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the nose oil seal to remain secure in the engine crankcase, which resulted in a loss of engine oil and partial loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR24LA121](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24LA121.md): Kitfox Series 5 · Yucca Grove, CA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 5, 2024 · N743JT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s improper repair of the oil sump, which resulted in a loss of oil pressure and collision with terrain during a precautionary landing.
- [NTSB CEN24LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA140.md): Cessna T210 · San Saba, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 25, 2024 · N498TB · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to multiple connecting rod failures from oil starvation.
- [NTSB ERA24LA095](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA24LA095.md): Cessna 210D · Paris, TN · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 22, 2024 · N3857Y · Substantial damage
  > The disruption of torque to the No 4 connecting rod journals, which resulted in a spun bearing and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB WPR24FA054](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA054.md): Beech A36 · Topock, AZ · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 10, 2023 · N4171S · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the No. 4 connecting rod due to oil starvation, which resulted in a loss of engine power, inflight fire, and a subsequent off-airport emergency landing on rough desert terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to attempt a…
- [NTSB CEN24FA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24FA057.md): Beech A23-24 · Oklahoma City, OK · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Dec 10, 2023 · N6945Q · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power due to multiple connecting rod failures from oil starvation associated with an extensive before takeoff oil system leak, the source of which could not be identified due to postaccident fire damage.
- [NTSB WPR24FA010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA010.md): Robert L Thurmond RV8 · Centerville, UT · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 10, 2023 · N75RT · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack while attempting to return to the departure airport, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall at an altitude too low for recovery. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the No. 2…
- [NTSB CEN23LA399](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA399.md): Beech 35-B33 · Ava, MO · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 1, 2023 · N9522Y · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine oil due for undetermined reasons, which resulted in failed connecting rods and total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN23LA338](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA338.md): Rans S-6ES · Ozark, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jul 29, 2023 · N123TG · Destroyed
  > Oil starvation of the propeller speed reduction unit which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ANC23LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23LA053.md): Aeronca 7DC · Ninilchik, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 13, 2023 · N83391 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to a shift of a crankshaft main bearing, which resulted in a lack of lubrication and subsequent overheating and failure of the engine crankshaft.
- [NTSB CEN23LA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA261.md): Quad City Challenger · Cedar Creek, MO · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 23, 2023 · UNREG · Substantial damage
  > A seizure of the power takeoff piston due to inadequate maintenance to the lubrication system, which resulted in a lack of oil lubrication and subsequent engine failure.
- [NTSB CEN23LA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23LA246.md): Piper PA46 · College Station, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 18, 2023 · N463HP · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic’s failure to properly secure the oil suction screen plug during recent maintenance, which resulted in an oil leak and subsequent loss of engine power due to oil starvation.
- [NTSB ERA23LA218](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA218.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Greenville, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 5, 2023 · N180LR · Substantial damage
  > Inadequate maintenance by the operator and maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to oil starvation.
- [NTSB ERA23LA173](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA173.md): Beech P35 · Perry, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 5, 2023 · N9777Y · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s incorrect torquing of the oil filter adapter jam nut, resulting in the failure of the adapter threads, a complete loss of oil, and subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN23FA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN23FA038.md): Cessna 421C · Decatur, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 18, 2022 · N6797L · Destroyed
  > A loss of power on the left engine due to fuel starvation and the subsequent loss of power on the right engine for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB WPR23LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR23LA003.md): Cessna 182C · Boulder City, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 3, 2022 · N511W · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation resulting from the failure of an engine oil filter adapter fiber gasket.
- [NTSB CEN22FA419](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22FA419.md): Piper PA-28R-201 · Conway, SC · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 14, 2022 · N62FC · Destroyed
  > The mechanic’s failure to install the required gasket on the vacuum pump drive pad in accordance with the maintenance manual, which resulted in oil exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the Director of…
- [NTSB WPR22FA331](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22FA331.md): Yakovlev YAK-11 · Shafter, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Sep 2, 2022 · N5943 · Destroyed
  > The pilot’s exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the loss of engine oil pressure shortly after takeoff.
- [NTSB CEN22LA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA330.md): Beech N35 · Wardsville, MO · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 20, 2022 · N1228Z · Substantial damage
  > Engine failure due to oil starvation resulting from an oil leak at the improperly installed aftermarket oil filter adapter.
- [NTSB ERA22FA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA261.md): Piper PA-28RT-201 · Panama City, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jun 6, 2022 · N160LL · Substantial damage
  > Maintenance personnel’s failure to follow the avionics installation guidance for the oil pressure sensor, which resulted in the high-cycle fatigue failure of an line, oil starvation, and the subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was…
- [NTSB WPR22LA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA177.md): Piper PA-12 · Enterprise, OR · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 14, 2022 · N3960M · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate maintenance and inspection of the crankshaft expansion plug, which resulted in the separation of the expansion plug from the crankshaft and the subsequent loss of oil and windshield obstruction during departure.
- [NTSB ERA22LA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA268.md): Wingren Norman Escapade · Brasstown, NC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 9, 2022 · N86RD · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the engine gearbox drive flange, which resulted in a nose gear collapse during the subsequent precautionary landing in tall grass.
- [NTSB CEN22LA144](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA144.md): Cirrus Design SR22T · Minot, ND · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Mar 11, 2022 · N164CP · Substantial damage
  > The failure of the Nos.2, 4, and 6 cylinders due to detonation.
- [NTSB WPR22LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR22LA081.md): Piper PA-28 · Scottsdale, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jan 18, 2022 · N5276W · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to oil exhaustion.
- [NTSB ERA22LA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA097.md): Cessna 207 · Marathon, FL · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 29, 2021 · N1596U · Minor damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 2 bearing, which resulted in the No. 2 connecting rod failing due to fatigue, high heat, and stress.
- [NTSB ERA22LA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA082.md): Beech S35 · Tallahassee, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 7, 2021 · N80YD · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to a lack of oil lubrication.
- [NTSB ERA22FA076](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22FA076.md): Cessna T210R · Grove City, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Nov 24, 2021 · N6209U · Destroyed
  > A catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation after the pilot’s failure to secure the oil filler cap before flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilots’ decision to continue the flight following the oil loss event and precautionary landing.
- [NTSB ERA22LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA071.md): Cessna 210 · Brent, AL · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 21, 2021 · N5779J · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate maintenance of the oil filter adapter, which resulted in in an engine oil leak and subsequent loss engine oil pressure, and the subsequent off-airport landing.
- [NTSB CEN22LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA037.md): Beech K35 · Hammond, LA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 28, 2021 · N899RW · Substantial damage
  > A complete loss of engine power due to oil starvation as a result of the oil filter safety wire fracturing and the oil filter becoming loose in flight for a reason that could not be determined given the evidence available during the investigation.
- [NTSB ERA22LA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA011.md): Flight Design Ctls · Greenville, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 10, 2021 · N121YT · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power resulting from the in-flight disconnection of oil hoses from the oil thermostat.
- [NTSB CEN21FA304](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21FA304.md): Focke-Wulf FWP-149D · Killeen, TX · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Jul 4, 2021 · N9145 · Destroyed
  > The total loss of engine power due to a fatigue failure of a crankshaft counterweight mounting lobe, which resulted in a counterweight separation and catastrophic secondary damage to the engine drivetrain. Contributing to the accident was the mislabeled…
- [NTSB ERA21LA250](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA250.md): Diamond DA20 · Matthews, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 14, 2021 · N458MA · Substantial damage
  > The mechanic’s failure to properly secure the oil sump drain plug during a 100-hour maintenance inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.
- [NTSB WPR21LA219](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR21LA219.md): Stoddard Hamilton Glasair II · Darby, MT · Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 29, 2021 · N8176J · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s impact with terrain during a go-around following an attempted precautionary landing due to a low oil pressure indication. The reason for the low oil pressure indication could not be determined based on the available information.
- [NTSB ERA21FA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21FA229.md): Munson Roger J RV-8 · Van Cleve, KY · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 24, 2021 · N284RM · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power due to loss of engine oil pressure.
- [NTSB CEN21LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA034.md): Cessna 182 · Lebanon, OH · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 28, 2020 · N3537C · Substantial damage
  > Improper maintenance that resulted in a blocked crankcase breather port and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN21LA031](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN21LA031.md): Piper PA28 · Buda, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 21, 2020 · N5932U · Substantial damage
  > An improperly torqued oil line fitting during an engine overhaul, which resulted in oil exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA21LA008](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA008.md): Experimental Quad City Challenger II · Northfield, NH · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 3, 2020 · N129AY · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to oil starvation of the No. 1 cylinder. Contributing to the accident was the pinched No. 1 cylinder oil injection line.
- [NTSB ERA20LA327](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA327.md): Mooney M20R · Weston, FL · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Sep 9, 2020 · N120GX · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power because of the overheating and failure of the connecting rod bearings due to a lack of lubrication for reasons that could not be determined.
- [NTSB CEN20LA286](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA286.md): Robinson R44 · Welsh, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jul 2, 2020 · N7511D · Substantial damage
  > A partial loss of engine power while in flight due to corrosion of engine components, which resulted in a loss of control and a subsequent impact with terrain.
- [NTSB ERA20LA212](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA212.md): Piper PA32RT · Selma, AL · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Jun 10, 2020 · N543GS · Destroyed
  > The mechanic’s failure to clean the oil suction screen during the most recent maintenance, which resulted in oil starvation and subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN20LA189](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA189.md): Piper PA28 · Steele, MO · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 22, 2020 · N7355W · Substantial damage
  > The loss of oil pressure for a reason that could not be determined leading to failure of the engine connecting rod.
- [NTSB ERA20LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA062.md): Piper PA32RT · Fletcher, NC · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 28, 2019 · N27GB · Destroyed
  > A failure of two of the oil pump drive gear’s teeth, which resulted in a loss of engine oil lubrication, and a total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB ERA20LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA20LA039.md): Rans Rans S7 Courier · West Liberty, KY · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 15, 2019 · N831RS · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to verify that the engine oil tank contained adequate oil for the cross-country flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power as a result of lack of lubrication. Contributing to the accident was the incorrect oil consumption…
- [NTSB WPR20LA012](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR20LA012.md): Czech Sport Sportcruiser · Holden, UT · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Oct 23, 2019 · N204BF · Substantial damage
  > The fatigue failure of the No. 2 cylinder intake valve spring retainer due to air trapped in the lubrication system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the severity of the damage was the improper deployment of the ballistic…
- [NTSB CEN19LA275](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA275.md): Cessna 150 · Rio Grande City, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 15, 2019 · N150CR · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power following an increase in oil temperature for undetermined reasons during cruise flight, which resulted in a forced landing on unsuitable terrain.
- [NTSB CEN19LA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19LA258.md): Cessna R172 · North Garden, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 8, 2019 · N1609V · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to the failure of the oil pump drive gear.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058550/cases.md?page=2

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '01058550'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058550/cases

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