Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28 near Melbourne, FL — 2022-03-29

Final reportERA22LA172
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Date
2022-03-29
Location
Melbourne, FL, USA
Airport
MLB
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28
Registration
N5067W
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to oil starvation as a result of the failure of the No. 3 crankshaft journal bearing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot/mechanic was hired to perform a pre-buy inspection of the airplane and then fly it cross-county to the new owner. During the inspection, he noted that the cylinders had been replaced and was told by the seller that the break-in for the new cylinders was not completed. The pilot stated that he “knew that it was going to be a risky flight home,” but decided to proceed with the flight. Observing no anomalies, he departed on course, and about 45 minutes into the flight, he noticed that the engine was running rough and the oil pressure was low. He notified air traffic control and turned back to the nearest airport to land. The engine continued to run rough, so he shut the engine down and thought he could glide to the runway. Once he realized that the airplane would not reach the runway, he maneuvered to land in a parking lot, during which the airplane impacted telephone wires and came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 3 crankshaft journal bearing was pitted and smeared, and that two of the engine’s connecting rods had fractured. The condition of the bearing likely blocked the passage of oil through the engine, resulting in oil starvation that would have led to increased heat and ultimately the observed connecting rod failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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