Primary finding
Probable cause
failure of an oil line between the engine and the oil cooler, which resulted in loss of oil, oil starvation, and subsequent seizure of the engine. Factors relating to the accident were: the effects of a tailwind during the forced landing, and failure of the pilot to achieve the proper touchdown point during the landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated he was in cruise flight at 2,000 feet when he observed a drop in oil pressure followed by a sound similar to a rod coming loose. Subsequently, a total loss of engine power occurred, and a forced landing was made to a private airstrip. The approach was steep (high) to clear a house and with a tailwind. The airplane touched down long, went off the end of the runway, and nosed over. Examination of the airplane revealed the oil line from the engine to the oil cooler had ruptured, causing a loss of engine oil, and seizure of the engine.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 22, 1996, about 1300 central daylight time, a Cessna 170A, N9230A, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight experienced a total loss of engine power during cruise flight in the vicinity of Southside, Alabama. The pilot made a forced landing to a private airport and crashed on landing rollout. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from Gadsden, Alabama, about 20 minutes before the accident. The pilot stated that he was in cruise flight at 2,000 feet when he observed a drop in oil pressure followed by sounds similar to a rod coming loose and a subsequent total loss of engine power. He made a forced landing to a private airstrip. The approach was excessive (high) to clear a house and with a tail wind. The airplane touched down long, went off the end of the runway, nosed over and came to rest inverted. On-scene examination of the airplane by the FAA, revealed the oil line from the engine to the oil cooler was ruptured, causing a loss of engine oil, and seizure of the engine. -