Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-180 near Ocilla, GA — 2012-06-13

Final reportERA12LA394
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Date
2012-06-13
Location
Ocilla, GA, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-180
Registration
N9238J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A failure of the No. 2 cylinder connecting rod due to a lack of lubrication, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was flying the airplane under the conditions specified in a Special Flight Permit to reposition it for a potential sale. The airplane and engine were inspected by a certificated mechanic in accordance with the permit requirements before the flight. During cruise flight, the engine began to “sputter.” The pilot turned to find a landing field, then heard a loud noise, and the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing in a cotton field; however, the landing gear collapsed in the soft soil and the airframe sustained substantial damage. Subsequent examination of the engine revealed puncture holes in the upper and lower sections of the engine case. The No. 2 cylinder connecting rod was separated from the crankshaft. The recovered parts of the crankshaft showed indications of heat distress and a lack of lubrication. The Nos. 3 and 4 cylinder connecting rods and rod bearings were still connected to the crankshaft; however their failure appeared imminent because of a severe lack of lubrication. All other crankshaft bearings appeared normal. The No. 1 cylinder connecting rod and bearing were normal in appearance with the exception of an overload fracture near the piston end. It is apparent that the No. 2 cylinder connecting rod end failed first due to a lack of lubrication, and the rotating and moving parts fractured the No. 1 cylinder connecting rod end, resulting in complete engine stoppage.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Inspection before flight could have identified engine issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents17

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