# NTSB NYC92LA119: Piper PA-24-180, N21RE, Felton, PA, June 16, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1992, 15:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Felton, PA
- Coordinates: 39.850742, -76.559867 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8507&lon=-76.5599&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 26, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 37173
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC92LA119
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/37173/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC92LA119

## Probable cause

A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING IN UNSUITABLE TERRAIN.  AN ADDITIONAL CAUSE WAS THE FAILURE OF THE MECHANIC TO TIGHTEN THE OIL RETURN LINE ON THE NUMBER THREE CYLINDER.  A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PRESSURE THE MECHANIC FELT TO COMPLETE THE JOB IN A TIMELY MANNER.

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, cruise - normal
  - lubricating system,oil line - loose (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - pressure, other maintenance personnel (contributing factor)
  - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command(cfi)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (cause)

## Analysis

AFTER TAKEOFF, FOLLOWING THE INSTALLATION OF A PROPELLER GOVERNOR OIL LINE, A LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE WAS NOTICED.  A PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WAS MADE IN A WHEAT FIELD.  THE OIL RETURN LINE FROM THE NUMBER THREE CYLINDER WAS FOUND DISCONNECTED.  THE MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED THE WORK STATED HE WAS A ONE MAN SHOP AND DUE TO DIFFICULTIES, THE JOB TOOK 3 HOURS INSTEAD OF THE PROJECTED 1 1/2 HOURS.  HE ALSO SAID HE ALLOWED CUSTOMER PRESSURE TO OVERRIDE HIS STANDARDS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N21RE (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-24-180
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 24-1718
- Airframe hours: 1585
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A1A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Hugh J. Harmon
- Registered owner: Hugh J. Harmon
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 1991, 72 hours before
- Departed: 37PA, SMOKETOWN, PA
- Destination: FDK, FREDERICK, MD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 49; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 14,000 total, 113 in this make and model, 13,800 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 57 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LNS, 21 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 19920616020719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920616020719A), Jun 16, 1992: Piper PA24180, Fleton, PA, Substantial damage. Lost oil pressure. Landed in tall wheat field. Ground looped. Mechanic failed to attach oil line to prop governor.

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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