Beech C23 N24580 accident near Ludlow, California

Probable cause

Maintenance personnel’s failure to properly tighten an oil line fitting, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB analysis

The pilot and the passenger departed on a cross-country flight. While at cruise, the pilot noted a faint smell of burning paint, followed by the oil pressure drop to zero and eventually experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot performed an emergency landing during which the airplane sustained substantial damage.

A postaccident examination revealed there was no oil remaining in the engine, the AN hose fitting on the oil cooler was loose, and there was evidence of an oil leak in the area of the loose fitting. No other pre-impact mechanical anomalies were detected that could have precluded normal operations.

The engine had been overhauled about 4 operating hours prior to the accident. The accident is consistent with maintenance personnel failing to properly tighten the oil hose fitting, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19LA187 for the full record.