Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 28-161 near Ranger, TX — 2015-05-12

Final reportCEN15LA228
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Date
2015-05-12
Location
Ranger, TX, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 28-161
Registration
N3024S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to piston fatigue cracking for reasons that could not be determined due to postfracture smearing damage.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot reported that, during cruise flight on a night training flight, he heard "two knocks" coming from the engine, followed by a total loss of power. After attempting to restart the engine without success, the pilot executed a forced landing onto a field, during which the airplane impacted a tree. Teardown of the engine revealed that the No. 4 piston crown and connecting rod were fractured. Laboratory examination revealed two thumbnail-shaped fatigue cracks on the piston crown's underside near an oil drain hole along the top oil groove on the piston circumference. The fatigue cracks had propagated from initiation sites along the circumferential oil groove at or near the oil drain hole. The cause of the initiation of the fatigue cracks could not be determined due to postfracture smearing damage.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Perform an oil analysis during engine inspections to detect potential issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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