Drain Valves Not Fully Closed, Not Approved For Type

The National Transportation Safety Board, in its factual report on the July 19 downing of a Commemorative Air Force Beechcraft C-45H near Longmont, CO, states oil starvation might have played a role in the crash.

As ANN reported, witnesses told investigators the aircraft (type shown above) appeared to be having engine trouble. The pilots may have been attempting an emergency landing when it clipped some trees before impacted the ground, slid about 100 yards, crossed a road and knocked over a power pole before catching fire.

Pilot Stanley Peterson was seriously injured in the accident. Co-pilot David Gianakos received minor injuries in the forced landing. The NTSB later said the pilots were performing a simulated engine-out exercise when the problems began.

In its factual report, the NTSB states oil drain valves in the Engine Rocker Box Recovery System -- which captures used oil -- weren't closed fully when it crashed. The valve on the left engine was "nearly closed;" the right valve was found in the open position.

The open valves likely resulted in oil leaking from the aircraft; a mechanic familiar with the aircraft found two pools of oil in the run-up area, with drips leading to the runway from where the plane took off.

The NTSB also states the valves used were not approved for use on Pratt & Whitney R-985 engines, used on the C-45H.

Peterson told the NTSB both valves were opened during preflight, but he thought they had closed both valves before starting the engines.

"According to the Commemorative Air Force, either the pilot failed to close the drain valves or they were jammed in the open position, but the latter would be unlikely 'because you can feel the valve move when you close it,'" according to the NTSB.

FMI: Read The Factual Report