Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-46-310P near Elk Mound, WI — 2009-11-13

Final reportCEN10IA059
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Date
2009-11-13
Location
Elk Mound, WI, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-46-310P
Registration
N667PC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to component failure from excessive heating of the engine connecting rod journals.

NTSB narrative

The airplane experienced a loss of engine oil pressure during descent to the destination airport, and the pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to a corn field. Maintenance records showed that the engine last received an engine oil analysis and engine oil change about 107 hours prior to the incident. The last recorded oil analysis check on the engine recommended that the owner resample the oil in 15 to 20 hours to monitor wear trend. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that there was heat damage to the surfaces of cylinder rod journal Nos. 5 and 6. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no other mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine oil levels more thoroughly before departure.

NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (total) · Enroute-descent
  • Engine Failure Enroute
  • Experience / Qualifications

Evidence available

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

Docket documents29

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