The Danger of Repeated Omissions

Friday, April 08, 2022 at 09:04 AM ET

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A Piper Turbo Lance, like the one pictured here, experienced trouble on the way to Pensacola, Florida in 2020. [File photo: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

A Piper Turbo Lance experienced a catastrophic engine failure during a flight, declared an emergency with fire, and subsequently crashed fatally, killing both Navy pilots.
The NTSB investigation determined the engine failure was caused by oil starvation due to a 60% obstructed oil suction screen.
This critical obstruction stemmed from the mechanic's repeated failure to clean the screen during maintenance over 11 years, despite owners reporting persistent low oil pressure.
While the pilots reacted professionally, an inflight fire erupted, likely contributing to the loss of control and the fatal crash, though its exact origin and spread were not fully detailed by the NTSB.

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On a clear June afternoon in 2020, two senior Navy pilots left Jasper, Alabama (KJFX), headed for Pensacola, Florida, 200 nm distant, where they were based. They were flying a Piper Turbo Lance of which the left seat pilot was a co-owner. After a 30-minute cruise climb, the Lance leveled out at 15,000 feet.

About nine minutes later, the pilot asked Atlanta Center for a descent to 10,000, which was granted. After another minute, he reported an “engine fluctuation” and requested a further descent and deviation to Selma (KSEM), which was close by. Center cleared him to 5,000. Shortly afterward, the pilot, his voice tense but calm, declared an emergency.