# NTSB ATL91LA085: Piper PA-28R-200, N503G, Bessemer, AL, April 20, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 20, 1991, 10:50 local (15:50 UTC)
- Place: Bessemer, AL
- Coordinates: 33.399461, -86.958801 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.3995&lon=-86.9588&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8397
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA085
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8397/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA085

## Probable cause

RUPTURE OF A HIGH-TIME, RUBBER, OIL COOLER HOSE, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, OIL EXHAUSTION, AND SEIZURE OF THE ENGINE.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power, cruise
  - lubricating system,oil hose - deteriorated (cause)
  - fluid,oil - leak (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - powerplant - seized
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - object - other (contributing factor)

## Analysis

A COMPLETED PREFLIGHT INSPECTION DETERMINED THAT ALL SYSTEMS WERE OPERATIONAL PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. THE PILOT ALSO CONFIRMED THAT 7 1/2 QUARTS OF ENGINE OIL WAS IN THE CRANKCASE. A FEW MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT THE PILOT COULD NOT ADJUST THE PROPELLER PITCH, AND HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE WAS DROPPING. HE ELECTED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT. EN ROUTE TO THE AIRPORT THE ENGINE QUIT AND SEIZED. THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A RAILROAD SIGNAL BOX WHILE THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A COUNTY ROAD. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRPLANE DISCLOSED THAT A RUBBER OIL COOLER HOSE HAD RUPTURED. THE MAINTENANCE RECORDS INDICATED THAT THE FAILED HOSE HAD BEEN IN SERVICE FOR 3141 HOURS SINCE INSTALLATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N503G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N503G-2001-07-16), registration cancelled 2001-07-16, S/N 28R-7435061 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-200
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-200) (registry code 7102811) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 284-7435061
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Aztec Aviation, Inc.
- Departed: 2A3, BESSEMER, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 4,000 total, 150 in this make and model, 3,800 as pilot in command, 40 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 11 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 2,200 ft broken

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19910420011699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910420011699A), Apr 20, 1991: Piper PA28R200, Bessemer, AL, Substantial damage. Lost oil pressure, engine seized. Hit railroad signal on forced landing,oil cooler hose broke. All hoses original.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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