# NTSB FTW89LA098: Piper PA-28R-200, N3940X, Edmond, OK, May 24, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 23, 1989, 22:00 local (May 24, 1989, 03:00 UTC)
- Place: Edmond, OK
- Coordinates: 35.669303, -97.409484 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.6693&lon=-97.4095&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 2, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22866
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89LA098
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22866/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA098

## Probable cause

IMPROPER MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY THE COMPANY MECHANIC WHO FAILED TO TIGHTEN THE OIL SUMP PLUG, AND ALSO FAILED TO SAFETY IT.

## 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 - normal
  - lubricating system,oil quickdrain/drain plug - missing (contributing factor)
  - maintenance - improper, company maintenance personnel (cause)
  - fluid,oil - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - engine assembly - failure,total (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - fence (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE WAS ON A PERSONAL NIGHT CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT WHEN THE PILOT NOTICED A RAPID LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE AND A FULL INCREASE OF PROPELLER RPM. HE HEADED TOWARD THE NEAREST AIRPORT BUT THE ENGINE FAILED COMPLETELY. DURING THE FORCED LANDING, THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN SHORT OF A IRON PIPE FENCE. THE PILOT TRIED TO PULL THE AIRPLANE UP OVER THE FENCE BUT THE LANDING GEAR SHEARED OFF WHEN IT HIT THE TOP OF THE FENCE. INSPECTION REVEALED THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE, NO SUMP PLUG IN THE ENGINE, AND NO EVIDENCE OF THE SUMP PLUG HAVING EVER BEEN SAFETIED. THE NUMBER TWO CYLINDER ALSO HAD A HOLE IN IT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3940X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3940X-1992-02-20), registration cancelled 1992-02-20, S/N 28R7535361 (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: 28R-7535361
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1C 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James, Rodney C.
- Registered owner: Stillwater Flt. Center, Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: OKC, OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
- Destination: SWO, STILLWATER, OK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 560 total, 54 in this make and model, 475 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days, 26 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 160° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19890523013959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890523013959A), May 23, 1989: Piper PA28R200, Edmond, OK, Substantial damage. Engine lost oil pressure and quit. Struck a fence on forced landing. Oil sump plug was missing not saftied.

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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