# NTSB FTW92LA225: Cessna 172I, N46084, Victoria, TX, September 18, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 18, 1992, 13:45 local (18:45 UTC)
- Place: Victoria, TX
- Location: 28.8053° N, 97.0036° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Victoria, TX, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.8053&lon=-97.0036&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18566
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA225
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18566/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA225

## Probable cause

BLOCKED ENGINE ASSEMBLY BREATHER TUBE AND THE PILOT'S CONTINUED OPERATION WITH KNOWN MAINTENANCE DISCREPANCIES. FACTORS WERE OIL ON WINDSHEILD AND REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE TO OIL ON THE WINDSCREEN..

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - engine assembly,other - blocked(total) (cause)
  - fluid,oil - leak
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, landing
  - window,flight compartment window/windshield - dirty(foggy) (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Nose gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,nose gear - overload

## Analysis

ENGINE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO AND SMOKE WAS OBSERVED BY A WITNESS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. DURING THE EMERGENCY LANDING, OIL COVERED THE WINDSHIELD. ON FINAL APPROACH THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE TERRAIN. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED OIL LEAKING FROM THE CRANKCASE SEAL AND THE BREATHER TUBE WAS COMPLETELY PLUGGED WITH DEBRIS. THE ENGINE HAD RECENTLY EXPERIENCE AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. A MAINTENANCE PERSON REPORTED THAT HIS SURVEY OF THE DAMAGE FOLLOWING THE FIRE HAD INCLUDED RUBBER COMPONENTS AND HOSES. THERE WAS NO RECORD THAT THE BREATHER HOSE HAD BEEN REPLACED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N46084](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N46084-1997-11-20), registration cancelled 1997-11-20, S/N 17257031 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172I
- Registry model: [Cessna 172I](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172i) (registry code 2072426) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17257031
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Stratton, Laurence E.
- Registered owner: Stratton, Laurence E.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 30, 1991
- Departed: RFG, REFUGIO, TX
- Destination: 07F, GLADEWATER, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 27,000 total, 8,500 in this make and model, 26,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: VCT, 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 19920918037769A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920918037769A), Sep 18, 1992: Cessna 172I, Victoria, TX, Substantial damage. Lost oil pressure. Oil on windshield. Crashed. Prior engine fire repair incomplete. Plugged hose. Pressure blew seal

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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