Graham, OK, USA
N6776E
Cessna 175A
The 306-hour pilot noticed that the oil pressure gauge indicated low and in the red operating range area while in cruise flight. The pilot elected to initiate a precautionary landing into a nearby open field. During the approach to the field, as the airplane descended closer to the ground, the pilot noted more obstructions. To avoid colliding with power lines, the pilot intentionally stalled the airplane at about 20 feet above the ground and landed hard, with power-on and full-flaps. Examination of the engine revealed that oil was leaking from a failed generator mounting gasket. No oil was observed on the dipstick for the engine crankcase.
On July 28, 2005, approximately 1530 central daylight time, a single-engine Cessna 175A airplane, N6776E, was substantially damaged during a precautionary landing near Graham, Oklahoma. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual metrological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The 509-nautical mile cross country flight originated from the Collin County Regional Airport, near McKinney, Texas, approximately 50 minutes prior to the accident and was destined for the Yuma Municipal Airport (2V6), near Yuma, Colorado. The 306-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that during cruise flight, he noticed that the engine oil pressure gauge indicated "in the red," and elected to initiate a precautionary landing to a nearby open field. The pilot added that he circled the area and noticed a few obstructions in and around the field. The pilot stated that while on final approach to the field, several cows ran into the flight path of the airplane, and he added power to over-fly the cattle. The pilot then observed a fence and power lines directly in the flight path of the airplane. After flying over the fence, the pilot determined that he would not be able to cross over the power lines. The pilot further stated that he elected to do a "full flap power-on stall" from an altitude of approximately 20 feet above the ground. Subsequently, the airplane stalled and landed hard in the field. Examination of the airplane by an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed that the left main and nose wheel landing gear were separated from the airplane. The outboard portion of the left wing was bent upwards. Oil was observed throughout the full length of the fuselage. Examination of the engine revealed that oil was leaking from the generator mounting gasket. No oil was observed on the engine oil dipstick.
The impending loss of engine power as result of the failure of the generator mounting gasket resulting in engine oil starvation. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the precautionary landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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