# NTSB LAX91LA274: Ryan ST3KR, N46795, Santa Maria, CA, June 16, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1991, 16:15 local (23:15 UTC)
- Place: Santa Maria, CA
- Coordinates: 34.820228, -120.409103 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.8202&lon=-120.4091&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27260
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA274
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27260/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA274

## Probable cause

OIL STARVATION DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY CONFIGURE THE AIRCRAFT FOR THE FLIGHT DURING THE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Miscellaneous/other, cruise - normal
  - fluid,oil - not engaged
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,oil - starvation (cause)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - pole

## Analysis

ACCORDING TO THE PILOT, WHILE THE AIRCRAFT WAS ON THE GROUND AT SANTA MARIA HE TURNED OFF THE OIL SUPPLY VALVE. DURING THE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION FOR THE TO FLIGHT SANTA PAULA HE SAID HE FORGOT TO TURN THE OIL SUPPLY VALVE BACK TO THE ON POSITION.  ABOUT 20 MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF HE NOTICED THE OIL PRESSURE WAS READING ZERO AND THE ENGINE WAS STARTING TO RUN HOT.  THE PILOT SAID HE FELT HE COULD NOT SAFELY RETURN TO THE AIRPORT AND ELECTED TO MAKE A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING ON A COUNTRY ROAD. DURING THE LANDING ROLL OUT, A WING TIP STRUCK A FENCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N46795](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N46795), registered now, S/N 1721 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: RYAN ST3KR
- Registry model: [Ryan Aeronautical ST3KR](https://openairdocs.org/model/ryan-aeronautical-st3kr) (registry code 7830502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Kinner R5 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/kinner-r5-series) (registry code 37504, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1721
- Engines: KINNER R56 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Sullivan, Michael D.
- Registered owner: Sullivan, Michael D.
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: SMX, SANTA MARIA, CA
- Destination: SZP, SANTA PAULA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; flight instructor, flight engineer, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 15,000 total, 2,000 in this make and model, 5,000 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 6 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 19910616023269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910616023269A), Jun 16, 1991: Ryan ST3KR, Santa Maria, CA, Substantial damage. Neglected to turn on oil supply valve prior to takeoff. Lost oil pressure. Elected to land on a road. Wing hit sign

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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