ANCHORAGE, AK, USA
N58988
PIPER L-4H
THE PILOT/MECHANIC STATED THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE BEGAN FLICKERING, SO HE ELECTED TO LAND AND DURING THE DESCENT THE ENGINE FAILED. HE LANDED DOWNWIND IN 20 KNOT WINDS AND DURING THE LANDING ROLL, ACROSS TUNDRA/MUD THE AIRPLANE'S WHEELS STRUCK A LARGE WATER FILLED HOLE AND NOSED OVER. POST ACC EXAM OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE BOTTOM OF THE FUSELAGE WAS COVERED WITH OIL. THE OIL BREATHER TUBE HAD AN OIL CAN WIRED TO IT. THE PLT DID HIS OWN MAINTENANCE WORK. THE OIL WAS BEING BLOWN OUT THRU THE BREATHER TUBE. SINCE THE ACFT WAS UPSIDE DOWN ANY REMAINING OIL HAD DRAINED OUT. THE PLT WAS OPERATING THE ACFT KNOWING THAT THE LUBRICATING SYS WAS IMPROPER.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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