# NTSB FTW96LA126: Piper PA-36-300, N57828, Andrews, TX, February 22, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 22, 1996, 09:15 local (15:15 UTC) - Place: Andrews, TX - Coordinates: 32.320068, -102.540565 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.3201&lon=-102.5406&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 1 minor - Status: Completed, report November 25, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 19766 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA126 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19766/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA126 ## Probable cause the mechanic's improper overhaul of the engine. Factors were: the pilot in command's inability to maintain visual lookout due to oil on the windscreen and unsuitable terrain for the forced landing. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power, climb - lubricating system,oil seal - incorrect (cause) - maintenance,overhaul - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause) - fluid,oil - leak (contributing factor) - visual lookout - restricted, pilot in command (contributing factor) - Forced landing, emergency landing after takeoff - In flight collision with terrain/water, emergency landing after takeoff - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor) - terrain condition - rough/uneven ## Analysis The airplane was on its first flight after an engine overhaul. Shortly after takeoff, the engine blew oil onto the pilot's windshield. The pilot shut down the engine and turned back toward the airport. The airplane was unable to make the runway and landed in a rough field. An engine teardown revealed that an incorrect crankshaft oil seal had been installed during the overhaul, and the seal had become dislodged during the flight. In addition, cranshaft and crankcase damage was found, and the damage was determined to be the result of misalignment of the crankcase halves during a previous modification. ## Factual narrative On February 22, 1996, at 0915 central standard time, a Piper PA-36-300, N57828, owned and operated by a private owner, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Andrews, Texas. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The aircraft was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated in Andrews, Texas at 0915. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The airplane was on its first flight after an engine overhaul. The pilot reported that moments after takeoff, oil "blew over my windshield," and he was unable to see out of the windshield. The pilot shut down the engine and turned back towards runway 30. Unable to make the runway, the airplane touched down in a "very rough pasture, bounced over a fence, and hit on the end of the [runway] overrun," damaging the landing gear and fuselage. According to the FAA inspector, the crankshaft and crankcase thrust surfaces had failed. A field teardown of the engine, conducted by the FAA Inspector, revealed that the oil pressure loss was traced to the installation of the incorrect crankshaft oil seal. The oil seal had become dislodged during the flight. The crankshaft and crankcase thrust surface damage was determined to be the result of misalignment of the crankcase halves during a previous modification. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N57828](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N57828-2006-03-06), registration cancelled 2006-03-06, S/N 36-7760002 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-36-300 - Registry model: [Piper PA-36-300](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-36-300) (registry code 7103612) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 36-7760002 - Airframe hours: 1370 - Engines: Lycoming IO-540 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Mitchell Autry - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, February 20, 1996, 0 hours before - Departed: E11 - Destination: E11 - Airport: E11, Andrews County ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 70; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 7,768 total, 5 in this make and model, 7,467 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 180° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none ## 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 19960222002449A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960222002449A), Feb 22, 1996: Piper PA36300, Andrews, TX, Substantial damage. Aircraft took off and lost engine oil pressure, shut down, made an emergency landing short of runway. (.4)the airplane was on its first flight after an engine… 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.