Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA32 near Afton, VA — 2022-09-15

Final reportERA22FA418
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Date
2022-09-15
Location
Afton, VA, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA32
Registration
N2104J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
1
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power at night over mountainous terrain.

NTSB narrative

During a night cross-country flight over remote mountainous terrain, the pilot reported a total loss of engine power to air traffic control. He attempted to glide to a nearby airport, but the airplane impacted trees about 15 miles from the airport. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the crankshaft could not be rotated by hand and about 1 quart of oil remained in the sump. No oil was observed on the ramp at the departure airport and no oil streaks were observed on the airframe, but postimpact fire consumed a majority of the airframe. Teardown examination of the engine revealed that the Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 6, connecting rods likely failed as a result of oil starvation. A crack was noted in the oil sump, but metallurgical examination revealed overstress features consistent with impact forces and thermal stress, indicating that the damage was likely sustained during impact; no fatigue was observed. Due to fire and impact damage, the investigation could not determine the reason for the oil starvation/loss that ultimately resulted in the loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for a precautionary landing after engine roughness reported.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents15

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