ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 385998
This information is added by users of ASN. Neither ASN nor the Flight Safety Foundation are responsible for the completeness or correctness of this information.
If you feel this information is incomplete or incorrect, you can submit corrected information.
| Date: | Sunday 22 April 2001 |
| Time: | 17:30 LT |
| Type: |  Piper PA-32R-300 |
| Owner/operator: | Private |
| Registration: | N40066 |
| MSN: | 7780514 |
| Total airframe hrs: | 2780 hours |
| Engine model: | Lycoming IO-540-K1G50 |
| Fatalities: | Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 4 |
| Aircraft damage: | Substantial |
| Category: | Accident |
| Location: | King George, VA -
 United States of America
|
| Phase: | En route |
| Nature: | Private |
| Departure airport: | Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, VA (CHO/KCHO) |
| Georgetown-Sussex County Airport, DE (GED/KGED) | |
| Investigating agency: | NTSB |
| Confidence Rating: |  Accident investigation report completed and information captured |
The airplane was in cruise flight at 3,500 feet in the vicinity of the Potomac River when the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. The pilot said he checked the magnetos and engine controls, and experienced a slight restoration of power when he adjusted the mixture. Within 3 minutes, there was a total loss of engine power. The pilot turned away from the river, and performed a forced landing to a farm pasture. Examination of the airplane at the scene revealed that the # 3 cylinder was loose on the crankcase, and the number 3 intake tube was not installed, and rested in the bottom of the engine compartment. The #3 exhaust riser was found separated at the flange. The flange was found loose, as the two nuts were not tight, with one nut having no washer or lock washer installed. Further examination revealed the 2 case studs and 2 thru studs along the bottom of the # 3 cylinder were broken off. The cylinder was removed and visually examined. The cylinder skirt exhibited chafing and scratching. There was corresponding scratching to the cylinder case pad material. Examination of the fractured cylinder studs revealed fracture surfaces with features consistent with fatigue. The engine was overhauled 14 years and 917 flight hours prior to the accident, and no cylinders had been removed during that time. The engine manufacturer recommended that the engine be overhauled every 2,000 hours or 12 years, whichever occurred first.
Probable Cause: The failure of cylinder case and thru studs due to fatigue, which resulted in a loss of engine power over unsuitable terrain.
Accident investigation:
 |
|
Sources:
NTSB IAD01LA046
Location
Revision history:
| Date/time | Contributor | Updates |
|---|---|---|
| 05-Apr-2024 10:02 | ASN Update Bot | Added |
Corrections or additions? ... Edit this accident description
The Aviation Safety Network is an exclusive service provided by:
Quick Links:
| ASN Home | Send Correction / Feedback |
| FSF Home | Disclaimer | Copyright |
| Contact Us | Privacy Policy |
| Press / Media |
CONNECT WITH US:
©2024 Flight Safety Foundation