# NTSB FTW90LA139: Bellanca 17-31ATC, N39870, Denton, TX, July 12, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 11, 1990, 19:40 local (Jul 12, 1990, 00:40 UTC)
- Place: Denton, TX
- Coordinates: 33.209896, -97.13079 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.2099&lon=-97.1308&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23156
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90LA139
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23156/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA139

## Probable cause

THE PILOT FAILURES TO PROPERLY IN STALL A OIL LINE WHICH RESULTED IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AFTER THE OIL SUPPLY WAS EXHAUSTED.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, climb
- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - lubricating system,oil line - loose (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,oil - exhaustion (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
  - object - utility pole
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE AIRPLANE WAS DEPARTING THE AIRPORT FOR A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT WHEN A PARTIAL POWER LOSS OCCURRED. THE PILOT DECIDED TO RETURN TO THE AIRPORT. A TOTAL POWER LOSS OCCURRED AND A FORCED LANDING RESULTED. DURING THE EMERGENCY DESCENT, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH TREES AND A UTILITY POLE. THE AIRPLANE DESCENDED UNCONTROLLED TO IMPACT THE TERRAIN. THE LOSS OF POWER WAS DUE TO THE IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A OIL LINE BY THE PILOT DURING AN OIL CHANGE THAT HE PERFORMED. THE ENGINE OIL WAS EXHAUSTED FROM THE SYSTEM WHEN IT WAS PRESSURIZED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N39870](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N39870-1990-08-13), registration cancelled 1990-08-13, S/N 7331049 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 17-31ATC
- Registry model: [Bellanca 17-31ATC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-17-31atc) (registry code 1220437) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 73-31049
- Airframe hours: 1847
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-K1E5 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert J. Hutchinson
- Last inspection: Annual, March 8, 1990, 76 hours before
- Departed: DTO
- Destination: SHV, SHREVEPORT, LA
- Airport: DTO, Denton Muni, runway 17, 5,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,643 total, 761 in this make and model, 2,643 as pilot in command, 41 in the last 90 days, 26 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 97 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FTW, 15 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 19900711025279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900711025279A), Jul 11, 1990: Blanca 1731, Denton, TX, Substantial damage. Left a trail of oil from hanger to runway. Engine siezed on climbout. Lack of oil. Pilot failed secure oil line.

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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