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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

November 20, 1995 · Piper PA-22 · N5057Z

Durham, NC

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 20, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Durham, NC
Aircraft
Piper PA-22
Tail Number
N5057Z
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL96LA014

Shortly after liftoff from the sod airstrip, the pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power. During the attempted forced landing the airplane collided with trees. Examination of the engine assembly revealed that the camshaft drive gear retention bolt lockplate tabs were not bent into position to secure the bolt. A review of the aircraft maintenance records showed that the engine had been overhauled one flight hour before the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The aircraft mechanic's failure to follow engine overhaul procedures which resulted in the failure of the camshaft drive gear.

Full Narrative

On November 20, 1995, at 1640 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-22, N5057Z, collided with trees while attempting an emergency landing near Lake Ridge Airpark in Durham, North Carolina. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage; the commercial pilot received serious injuries. The accident occurred during the initial takeoff attempt from Durham. The pilot stated that he completed the preflight inspection and an engine runup, and no engine problems were noted; the pilot taxied to runway 14 for the takeoff. As the airplane climbed through 350 feet, the pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power. According to an eyewitness, the airplane developed an engine problem shortly after takeoff. The pilot selected a forced landing area and attempted a landing. During the engine examination, there was no engine continuity from the crankshaft through to the tachometer shaft. The teardown examination of the accessory section disclosed that there were no bolts securing the camshaft drive gear to the camshaft. The examination of the gear assembly revealed that the lockplate lock tabs had not been bent around the bolt head. A review of the aircraft maintenance records disclosed that the engine had been overhauled by a local mechanic one flight hour before the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:40 EST
Nearest AirportLake Ridge Airpark (1nm S)
Runway14
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-22
Tail NumberN5057Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-290-D2 · Reciprocating · 135
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 44 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 7 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data