# NTSB DEN91LA041: Beech P-35, N9653Y, Durango, CO, February 10, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 10, 1991, 13:20 local (20:20 UTC)
- Place: Durango, CO
- Coordinates: 37.269844, -107.880912 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.2698&lon=-107.8809&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 3 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18071
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN91LA041
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18071/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN91LA041

## Probable cause

ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO OIL STARVATION CAUSED BY TURBOCHARGER OIL FEED LINE FAILURE AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF LUBRICATING OIL TO THE ENGINE.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise
  - lubricating system,oil line - fractured (cause)
  - emergency procedure - attempted, pilot in command
  - fluid - loss,total (cause)
  - emergency procedure - not possible, pilot in command
- Undershoot, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

WHILE ON A LOCAL FLIGHT, THE TURBOCHARGER OIL FEED LINE FAILED CAUSING LOSS OF LUBRICATING OIL TO THE ENGINE, WHICH RESULTED IN THE ENGINE FAILING MECHANICALLY.  THE PILOT ATTEMPTED AN EMERGENCY ENGINE OUT LANDING AT THE AIRPORT WHICH ENDED WITH A LANDING 200 FEET SHORT OF THE APPROACH END OF THE RUNWAY IN ROUGH TERRAIN.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9653Y](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9653Y), registered now, S/N D-7086, built 1962 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Beech P-35
- Registry model: [Beech P35](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-p35) (registry code 1151530) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental I0-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-i0-470-series) (registry code 17027, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 0D-7086
- Airframe hours: 4556
- Engines: CONTINENTAL IO-470N 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James M. Dale
- Registered owner: James M. Dale
- Last inspection: Annual, May 2, 1990, 8 hours before
- Airport: DRO, La Plata County, runway 2, 9,200 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 972 total, 9 in this make and model, 812 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 75 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19910210001869A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910210001869A), Feb 10, 1991: Beech P35BEECH, Durango, CO, Substantial damage. Lost oil pressure. Engine seized on final. Landed short. Turbo charger oil line cross threaded broke. Lost oil.

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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