Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28RT-201T near Morgan, TX — 2022-05-29

Final reportCEN22LA227
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Date
2022-05-29
Location
Morgan, TX, USA
Airport
84TE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28RT-201T
Registration
N2148J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to a corrosion-related fatigue crack of the No. 3 cylinder barrel.

NTSB narrative

While in cruise flight, the pilot observed the manifold pressure drop, followed by a loud rattling engine noise with strong vibrations. The pilot shut down the engine and diverted toward a nearby airport. The pilot reported that he thought the airplane was too high on the downwind leg; however, after he turned the airplane onto the final leg, he realized that the headwind would prevent him from making it to the runway. The pilot performed a forced landing into rough terrain short of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination of the No. 3 cylinder revealed the cylinder barrel was fractured between the cooling fins and the threaded section used for mounting the cylinder head. A metallurgical examination revealed a fatigue crack that originated at a corrosion pit on the outer diameter surface of the cylinder barrel. The inboard-facing side of the first cylinder cooling fin was tinted black for a 180° arc, with the center of the arc in line with the fatigue crack. Manufacturer guidance includes inspection of cylinder fins for any signs of oil or soot leakage that might indicate a cylinder or head-to-barrel junction structural integrity breach. The engine was operated about 30 hours since the last annual inspection.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have conducted maintenance checks on the engine before the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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