Cause of CAF C-45 accident

[Bill Greenwood]

Back in late July a CAF C-45 went down in a field near Longmont, Colorado.I wrote on WIX what the pilot told me, that the oil drain valve was left open and caused engine failure. Several WIXers questioned that reason. Today's BOULDER DAILY CAMERA states that the NTSB report gives the cause of the engine failure and crash on that reason, just as Stan had said. Not only was the valve found open, but a trail of oil was found on the runway at Platt Valley where they had taken off.

Last edited by Bill Greenwood on Tue Sep 18, 2007 6:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[skymstr02]

Not to mention the fact that the oil drain valves were an illegal installation. Had they not been on the engines, the oil would not have leaked out of them, and the accident would not have happened.

[Bill Greenwood]

I am not knowledgeble about this engine or specific plane, but I have seen lots of similar valves on many T'6s and other radials. For me, I am glad both pilots survied.

Last edited by Bill Greenwood on Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[planeoldsteve]

Bill

I think the point we where trying to make is that the engines locked up and did not feather. If you pull the oil shut offs or let the oil drain out the bottom of the engine (both of witch are just as bad and operator error) it does not matter, the engine is going to lock up and quit spinning.

Steve

[Stoney]

Oil sump drains are not illegal if they shut off automatically

[planeoldsteve]

I think that people may be getting the oil sump/tank (quick) drain and the clean kit rocker box quick drains confused?

Steve

[krlang]

I have also seen some really interesting "Pre Oil" mods made with household ball valves, they are great until.......

[Bluedharma]

Yes Bill, your story was right on.

Upon hearing of the accident, the mechanic who maintained the airplane went out to where the airplane had been parked. There were two pools of oil in the run-up area, and trails of oil led out onto the runway.

http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief2.asp?ev_id=20070730X01039&ntsbno=DEN07LA122&akey=1

Bill,
Have you heard lately how the guys are doing?

[Chad Veich]

Sky, have you seen the log books for this plane to know for certain that this installation was not approved, either by an STC or local 337 or other signoff? I am not knowledgeble about this engine or specific plane, but I have seen lots of similar valves on many T'6s and other radials. For me, I am glad both pilots survied.

From the NTSB report, if that means anything.

According to FAA's airworthiness inspector, the drains are not approved for installation in the Pratt & Whitney R-985 engines (as installed on the Beech C-45).

[Glenn Wegman]

Hey Bill,

Remenber my little suggestion at the Oshkosh Mustang Forum about how I always do a 360 after my runup to look at the area where I was to make sure nothing is leaking before I blast off?

I never see anybody else do it!

It does pay off!!

Glenn

[skybolt2003]

Hey Bill,

Remenber my little suggestion at the Oshkosh Mustang Forum about how I always do a 360 after my runup to look at the area where I was to make sure nothing is leaking before I blast off?

I never see anybody else do it!

It does pay off!!

Glenn

now that is a good idea!
I've got a drain like that and have never used it. So far have had one solid lock in about three years. Easy to deal with. (Easier than total engine failure)

[skymstr02]

Oil sump drains are not illegal if they shut off automatically

They are illegal if there is no FAA approval. The valve manufacturer does not have an STC for its installation in a standard category type certificated aircraft, nor does any other entity.

Where can I find the information that you are referring to in your statement?

Thanks,
DZ

[CAPFlyer]

The NTSB report doesn't say anything on the matter - does anyone know if these drains were installed on the aircraft before or after the CAF took possession of the airplane?

[John Beyl]

Hey Bill,

Remenber my little suggestion at the Oshkosh Mustang Forum about how I always do a 360 after my runup to look at the area where I was to make sure nothing is leaking before I blast off?

I never see anybody else do it!

It does pay off!!

Glenn

I certainly do! I remember thinking, "Smarter than the average bear!"

[Bill Greenwood]

Glen, I do recall your suggestion. Many of our planes leak a little oil anyway when parked, but it might have saved them in this case.