Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-181 near Corryton, TN — 2015-05-19

Final reportERA15LA217
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Date
2015-05-19
Location
Corryton, TN, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-181
Registration
N597JG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The failure of the No. 4 engine cylinder due to fatigue, resulting in a catastrophic failure of the engine.

NTSB narrative

During a training flight, the student and flight instructor heard a "loud bang" from the engine area, accompanied by engine roughness and reduced power. The flight instructor performed a forced landing to a field, resulting in substantial damage to the engine firewall. An examination of the engine revealed the No. 4 cylinder head was fractured outboard of the barrel thread. Further examination revealed that the cylinder fractured due to fatigue that initiated at the interior of the head near the intake valve. The serial number for the cylinder was outside the range of those affected by an airworthiness directive requiring inspection and/or replacement of certain cylinders.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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