Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Flippin, AR — 2011-07-01

Final reportCEN11LA441
Sign in to save
Date
2011-07-01
Location
Flippin, AR, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N56417
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to improper maintenance and resultant oil starvation.

NTSB narrative

While in cruise flight the pilot noted a decrease in engine rpm. He began to troubleshoot the problem and reversed course to head toward more favorable terrain for a forced landing. After completing the turn, the engine seized, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a pasture. During the landing roll, the right wing impacted a bale of hay, resulting in substantial damage. An examination of the engine revealed that the loss of engine power and resultant seizure was due to a loss of engine oil. Further examination revealed that the bolts on the vacuum pump were loose and the engine oil was exiting at that location. An examination of the airframe and remaining systems revealed no anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have landed sooner after first noticing engine rpm decrease.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

Related mishaps