Probable cause
The pilot's failure to reinstall the oil cap after adding oil, which resulted to oil starvation and a precaautionary landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot and passenger were en route on a multi-leg cross-country flight when the pilot noticed oil on the side window and the oil pressure gauge indicated a loss of oil pressure. The pilot was not sure that the engine would continue to run if he diverted to the nearest grass strip, so he executed a precautionary landing to a field, which substantially damaged right wing ribs and spar.
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the oil cap was missing; it was later located at the last departure airport. The pilot stated that he was in a hurry to depart and did not properly reinstall or secure the oil cap. The did not reveal other mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19TA293 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 25, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Russiaville, Indiana
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper J3C
- N-number
- N49614
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1945
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.