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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

February 8, 1996 · Piper PA-28R · N55329

Boca Raton, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 8, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Boca Raton, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28R
Tail Number
N55329
Operator
Pft
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA96LA075

The airplane was climbing through 4,000 feet when the pilot heard a 'pop' and the engine started shaking. The pilot made a forced landing to a golf course. On landing roll out the pilot made a turn to the left to avoid some golfers who did not move. The right wing of the airplane collided with a tree. Examination of the engine revealed the number 3 cylinder hold down studs and nut failed due to fatigue.

NTSB Probable Cause

the partial loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the number 3 cylinder hold down studs and nut. A factor was the pilot'e evasive maneuver to avoid golphers on a golf course.

Full Narrative

On February 8, 1996, about 0845 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28R, N55329, registered to Professional Flight Training Inc., operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, experienced a partial loss of engine power, and made a forced landing in the vicinity of Boca Raton, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and an IFR flight plan was filed. The commercial pilot/certified flight instructor (CFI), and student pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from Fort Lauderdale about 19 minutes before the accident. The CFI stated they were climbing through 4,000 feet when they heard a noise similar to a "pop" and the engine started shaking. The CFI reversed course for Fort Lauderdale and informed Miami Approach Control of his intentions. The airplane would not maintain altitude so he started flying towards Boca Raton Airport. He realized he would not make the airport and made a forced landing to a golf course. On landing roll he had to turn to the left to avoid hitting some golfers who did not move. The right wing of the airplane collided with a tree sustaining substantial damage. Examination of the engine assembly by the FAA revealed a failure of the hold down studs on the No. 3 cylinder and one hold down nut on the No. 1 cylinder. Examination of the hold down studs and nut was performed by the NTSB materials laboratory. The examination revealed that all three studs separated as a result of fatigue fracture mechanism. The fracture face on the nut contained characteristic features of a high stress fatigue separation. (See NTSB Metallurgist's Factual Report No. 96-86.) The hold down studs and nut were released to Mr. Tom Margagliano, Professional Flight Training Inc., on April 23, 1996.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:45 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28R
Tail NumberN55329
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorPft
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-CIC · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 26 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 52
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data