Cessna A185E N185XX

Summary

On 24 October 1996 at about 21:07 local time, a Cessna A185E registered N185XX was involved in an accident near Giddings, Texas, United States. 3 people were on board and one was seriously injured, 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

24 October 1996 at 21:07

Classification

Accident

Location

Giddings, Texas, United States

Coordinates

30.1798, -96.9210

Aircraft

Cessna A185E

Registration

N185XX

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Houston → Austin

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

IMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

FTW97LA028

1 person was seriously injured.

The loss of engine power as result of an oil leak due to a pinched 'O' ring in the oil filter. Factors were the improper installation of the oil filter, and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The engine lost power after the pilot reported to ATC that the engine oil pressure was dropping, subsequently reporting an overheating engine. The pilot requested vectors to the nearest airport; however, radio and radar contact were lost during the airplane's descend when 10 miles east of the airport. The aircraft touched down on a westerly heading in a field about 5 miles east of the airport. The pilot stated that the engine oil was changed by maintenance personnel at his hangar on the previous day and this was the first flight after completion of maintenance. An engine run up was not performed due to inclement weather on the day of the oil change. Examination of the engine revealed that an 'O' ring seal (P/N CI48100-8) installed on the cap of the oil filter was pinched during installation thus allowing the engine oil to leak during operation to the engine. According to the engine records, the engine was modified on December 5, 1995 with the installation of an 'Ultimate Engine Oil Filter' (Part number SA8922SW21) manufactured by Capehart Industries Inc., of Mena, Arkansas, under an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate dated July 21, 1994. The pilot purchased the airplane in April 1995.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.