Probable cause
Engine failure due to oil starvation resulting from an oil leak at the improperly installed aftermarket oil filter adapter.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported the flight was uneventful until he was approaching the destination airport. During the approach, he observed the oil pressure drop to zero and, shortly afterward, the engine started running rough. The pilot subsequently heard a “bang” from the engine and observed smoke from under the engine cowling. The engine lost power completely and he executed a forced landing to a field. The airframe sustained substantial damage to the forward fuselage.
Postaccident examination revealed that the engine failed because of oil starvation. At the time of the examination, the aftermarket oil filter adapter was loose and not safety wired in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airworthiness directive.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA330 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 20, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wardsville, Missouri
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech N35
- N-number
- N1228Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- 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.