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NTSB Report

November 15, 1994 · Piper PA-28-180 · N7556W

Carlock, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 15, 1994
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Carlock, IL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N7556W
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI95LA042

THE AIRPLANE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER DURING LEVEL CRUISE FLIGHT. AN OFF AIRPORT FORCED LANDING WAS MADE, THE AIRPLANE ROLLED OUT INTO A TREE LINE AT THE END OF THE LANDING FIELD. THE ON-SCENE INVESTIGATION REVEALED FAILED NUMBER TWO CYLINDER CONNECTING ROD BOLTS AND A HOLE IN THE ENGINE'S CASE TOP NEAR THE NUMBER TWO CYLINDER TAPPET POSITION. THE ENGINE HAD BEEN OVERHAULED ABOUT 21 YEARS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT.

NTSB Probable Cause

The total failure of the connecting rod bolts.

Full Narrative

On November 14, 1994, at 1820 central standard time (cst), a Piper PA-28-180, N7556W, registered to Howard Samuelson of Orland Park, Illinois, and piloted by a commercially certificated flight instructor, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The instructor and student pilot reported minor injuries. The flight departed Peoria, Illinois, at 1800 CST. According to the student pilot and owner of the airplane, the airplane was in level cruise flight when the engine's oil pressure went to "0" indicated pressure. He said the instructor declared an emergency and landed in a soy bean field. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with trees that bordered the field's edge. The instructor's statement confirmed the student/owner's statement, adding that the engine ran for an unspecified time after the oil pressure went to "0." The on-scene investigation revealed that the engine's number two cylinder connecting rod bolts had failed. Connecting rod components forced a hole into the engine's case top near the number two cylinder tappet position. The connecting rod bolt that was retrieved had necked fracture ends. The surfaces of both fractures had a grainy appearance with many impact marks on them. The camshaft's number two cylinder intake lobe was round and had machining marks on its surface. Examination of the engine oil pump revealed its screen was contaminated with metal particles. The oil sump was contaminated with metal pieces that were similar to bearing parts. Approximately two quarts of oil was found in the sump. Examination of the airplane's powerplant logbook revealed the engine had been overhauled approximately 21 years before the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:20 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN7556W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A3A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind240° @ 10 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 43 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:45

Appendix: Source Data