Probable cause
An improperly torqued oil line fitting during an engine overhaul, which resulted in oil exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
During a night training flight, the flight instructor and student pilot experienced a total loss of engine power and executed a forced landing onto rough terrain, which damaged the airplane’s right-wing spar. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed a nearly empty oil reservoir and oil residue on the underside of the fuselage and elevator, with significant thermal damage to the engine. The examination also found a disconnected oil line fitting. No material or structural anomalies were noted with the oil line or fitting.
The engine had been recently overhauled, and the two mechanics who performed the overhaul stated it was very possible that they did not properly torque the oil line fitting. Following the accident, the overhaul facility implemented a requirement to torque seal applicable components to help ensure compliance with torque specifications.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA031 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 21, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Buda, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N5932U
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1971
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.