Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Mesa, AZ — 2023-12-05

Final reportWPR24LA051
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Date
2023-12-05
Location
Mesa, AZ, USA
Airport
IWA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N9166J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A failure of the engine cowling right side latch pin and fasteners, which resulted in the partial separation of the engine cowling during flight.

NTSB narrative

According to the flight instructor, while in cruise flight transitioning between airports, the right side of the engine upper cowling came unlatched and struck the windshield. The left side of the upper cowling remained attached, and the pilot landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the windshield. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right front fastener pin, which secures the front of the upper cowling adjacent to the air intake, had separated from the cowling structure. This likely allowed the forward right side of the upper cowling to separate from the lower cowling and move up into the airstream, resulting in the overload failure of the right side cowling latches.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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