# NTSB MIA96LA052: Mooney M20, N3750H, Eastover, SC, December 30, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 30, 1995, 10:25 local (15:25 UTC)
- Place: Eastover, SC
- Coordinates: 33.869407, -80.690956 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8694&lon=-80.6910&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): 37965
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA96LA052
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37965/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA052

## Probable cause

inadequate overhaul procedures by maintenance personnel resulting in an oil pump failure and subsequent loss of engine power.

## 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 pressure pump - seized (cause)
  - maintenance,overhaul - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- In flight collision with object, emergency descent/landing
  - object - guy wire

## Analysis

The pilot noted a loss of oil pressure during flight followed by a loss of power. He executed a forced landing, and on final approach the airplane struck a guy wire. The engine oil pump was examined, and the oil pump driven gear had failed due to lack of lubrication. The #3 connecting rod and the camshaft then failed. The engine had been overhauled in the field previously, and a service instruction to increase lubrication of the oil pump driven gear had not been accomplished.

## Factual narrative

On December 30, 1995, about 1025 eastern standard time, N3750H, a Mooney MO20, crashed in Eastover, South Carolina, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot received minor injuries. The flight had originated about 10 minutes earlier.

The pilot stated he noted a loss of oil pressure followed by a loss of power and he attempted a forced landing to a highway. On final approach the airplane struck a guy wire and came to rest in a ditch.

The engine was initially examined by an FAA inspector who removed the engine oil pump and shipped it to the manufacturer's facility for further examination. The oil pump was further examined and it was determined that the oil pump driven gear seized in the accessory housing. It was also noted that when the engine was overhauled in the field, about 1,167 hours earlier, Lycoming Service Instruction 1341 dated July 30, 1976, was not complied with. This service instruction directs that a hole be drilled in the housing to the driven gear, to allow better lubrication.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3750H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3750H-1998-06-02), registration cancelled 1998-06-02, S/N 240922 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Mooney M20
- Registry model: [Mooney M20J](https://openairdocs.org/model/mooney-m20j) (registry code 5870219) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 240922
- Engines: Lycoming IO-360-A3BD6 200 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Thomas Lagatore
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 18, 1995, 15 hours before
- Departed: CUB, COLUMBIA, SC
- Destination: CRE, MYRTLE BEACH, SC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,831 total, 355 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 100° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CAE, 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 19951230042789A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951230042789A), Dec 30, 1995: Mooney M20J, Eastover, SC, Substantial damage. Lost oil pressure and power. Struck guy wire landing on road. Oil pump had siezed. Service bulletin not complied.

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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