Throckmorton Matthew E F1-EVO N540MT

Summary

On 12 June 2009 at about 19:30 local time, a Throckmorton Matthew E F1-EVO registered N540MT was involved in an accident near Mitchell, Indiana, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

12 June 2009 at 19:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Mitchell, Indiana, United States

Coordinates

38.7428, -86.4761

Aircraft

Throckmorton Matthew E F1-EVO

Registration

N540MT

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Indianapolis → Bowling Green

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN09CA354

1 person was seriously injured.

A total loss of engine power due to the disconnection of an oil line and the subsequent loss of engine oil.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during cruise flight he observed an oil pressure warning indication on the electronic flight instrument system and noted that the engine oil pressure had dropped to approximately one pound per square inch. He immediately turned toward the nearest airport, which was about 7 miles away; however, the engine stopped producing power about one minute later. The pilot prepared for a forced landing to a farm field. The field consisted of chest-high grass with soft, muddy areas. The airplane subsequently nosed over during the landing. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that an oil line between the oil cooler and the engine became disconnected. The oil line and fitting appeared to be otherwise intact. The examination also noted oil residue along the bottom of the fuselage. The oil line connection was not equipped with a clamp, and relied on the interference of the line and the fitting to maintain the connection. The pilot stated that the oil line manufacturer assured him that the design configuration was adequate.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.