Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA32RT near Camden, SC — 2016-09-30

Final reportERA16LA331
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Date
2016-09-30
Location
Camden, SC, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA32RT
Registration
N39686
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to the improper torqueing of the magneto, which led it to its malfunctioning in flight.

NTSB narrative

The airline transport pilot and passenger were breaking in the newly overhauled engine on a cross-country flight in accordance with the engine manufacturer's break-in procedures. About 20 minutes after departure, during cruise flight at 75% power, the engine began running "mildly rough" and then began "cutting in and out." The pilot chose to divert to another airport, and about 5 miles from that airport, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to a field, during which the wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage. When the single-drive dual magneto was placed on a test stand, the left side of the magneto did not produce spark. Internal examination of the magneto revealed that the left and right capacitor fastenings were not properly torqued, which resulted in intermittent arcing and melting of the cam follower and the subsequent loss of power. It could not be determined when the magneto's capacitor fasteners had last been torqued.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after noting engine issues during test flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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