N8304C

On September 1, 2000, at 1110 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32R-300, N8304C, operated by Safewing Aviation Company, Kansas City, Missouri, sustained substantial damage during landing following a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing near Mason City, Iowa. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The cargo flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 135 and was on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan. The pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight departed Algona Municipal Airport, Algona, Iowa, at 1050.

According to the pilot's written statement, "I departed AXA [Algona Municipal Airport] at 10:50 and was cruising at 4000 ft. [feet] 15 miles west of MCW [Mason City Municipal Airport] when the oil pressure dropped below 0 [zero]. The engine started vibrating so I shut it down and proceeded to set myself up for an emergency landing." The pilot reported, "I turned into the wind and aligned myself with a soy bean field. On impact the left main gear collapsed, also the nose gear, the left wing was bent backward a few inches. The soy bean field was muddy since it had been raining earlier."

Post-accident investigation revealed that the oil filter base-gasket had become extruded from its seat, allowing engine oil to leak out of the engine.

Textron Lycoming Engines, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, issued a Mandatory Service Bulletin, number 543A, on August 30, 2000. The service bulletin stated, "Textron Lycoming has received reports indicating that operation at high oil temperatures can cause the converter plate gasket on the oil filter base to become extruded from its seat, allowing oil to leak out between the plate and the accessory housing." The service bulletin called for the removal and replacement of the converter plate gasket at every 50-hour oil change.