# NTSB FTW87LA030: Cessna 305A, N5211G, Mason, TX, December 9, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 9, 1986, 17:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Mason, TX
- Coordinates: 30.73924, -99.230911 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.7392&lon=-99.2309&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22307
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87LA030
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22307/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA030

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, cruise - normal
  - fluid,oil - lack of (cause)
  - aircraft service - inadequate, fbo personnel (cause)
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - failure,total (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

PRIVATE PILOT OF CESSNA 305A FERRYING AIRCRAFT FROM GLASCOW, MT. TO MC ALLEN TX. ENGINE FAILED APPROXIMATELY 1 1/2 HOURS AFTER DEPARTURE FROM GRAHAM TX. PILOT ATTEMPTED DOWNWIND LANDING ON FARM-TO-MARKET ROAD AND STRUCK TREE. AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED. PILOT AND CO-PILOT ESCAPED INJURY. VFR WEATHER CONDITIONS PREVAILED. NO FLIGHT PLAN FILED. OIL ADDED TO ENGINE AT GRAHAM TX. PILOT ALLEGES FBO PERSONNEL DID NOT REPLACE OIL FILLER CAP. PILOT DID NOT CHECK FILLER CAP ON PREFLIGHT. RESULTS OF ENGINE TEARDOWN SUGGESTS FAILURE OF #6 CONNECTING ROD DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5211G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5211G), registered now, S/N 21744, built 1951 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 305A
- Registry model: [Cessna 305A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-305a) (registry code 2074002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 21744
- Airframe hours: 6350
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-11B 213 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Registered owner: James Shawn
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 21, 1986, 29 hours before
- Departed: E15, GRAHAM, TX
- Destination: MFE, MC ALLEN, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 469 total, 7 in this make and model, 469 as pilot in command, 55 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,600 ft overcast
- Temperature: 41 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SJT, 75 nm away

## 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 19861209081489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861209081489A), Dec 9, 1986: Cessna 305A, Mason, TX, Destroyed. The aircraft struck a tree during forced landing. Engine seized from lack of lubrication. Suspect unsecured oil cap

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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