CABOT, AR, USA
N5465F
Alon A-2A
The pilot reported that prior to turning on final approach to land, the engine lost power. During the emergency landing in a field of tall grass, the airplane's tail struck a levee and the left wing struck the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed that the engine oil dipstick and cap assembly was not installed, and the forward left side of the fuselage and the windshield were covered in oil.
On August 21, 1999, at 1905 central daylight time, an Alon A-2A single-engine airplane, N5465F, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power while on approach to the Odom Field Airport near Cabot, Arkansas. The airplane was registered to the Criswell Corporation of Wilmington, Delaware, and operated by a private individual. The private pilot sustained a minor injury when exiting the airplane and his only passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 local personal flight. According to the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) and a telephone interview by the NTSB investigator-in-charge, the pilot reported that prior to turning for final approach to runway 27, the engine lost power. He turned the airplane south toward an open field with levees and tall grass. During the landing roll, after about 100 feet, the pilot applied left rudder and the nose landing gear "locked up." The airplane "stood up on its nose," rotated 180 degrees, and came down on its right wing. The left wing then struck the ground, and the tail impacted a levee. Subsequently, the airplane rolled back onto its tail and came to rest upright. According to an FAA inspector, when he arrived at the scene, the airplane was mounted on a trailer located in the pilot's hanger. While performing a walk-around, the inspector opened the access door on the engine cowl, and "noticed that there wasn't an oil dipstick and cap assembly." The inspector reported that the airplane's windshield and the forward left side of the fuselage were covered with oil.
The missing engine oil filler cap which resulted in the loss of engine power as a result of oil starvation. Factors were the pilot's improper aircraft preflight inspection and the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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