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NTSB Report
July 15, 1991 · Piper PA28R-200 · N646RL
So. Lake Tahoe, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 15, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (5 uninjured)
Location
So. Lake Tahoe, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA28R-200
Tail Number
N646RL
Operator
Rhumb Line
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX91LA314
THE ENGINE FAILED WHILE THE AIRCRAFT WAS OVER LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA, IN CRUISE FLIGHT. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO REACH AN AIRPORT AND DITCHED IN THE LAKE. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE AFTER THE ACCIDENT DISCLOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT FAILED. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THE FAILURE RESULTED FROM FATIGUE INDUCED BY A NON-METALLIC INCLUSION IN THE SHAFT.
NTSB Probable Cause
ENGINE FAILUE DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE CRANKSHAFT RESULTING FROM FAILURE INDUCED BY A NON-METALLIC INCLUSION IN THE SHAFT.
Full Narrative
THE ENGINE FAILED WHILE THE AIRCRAFT WAS OVER LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA, IN CRUISE FLIGHT. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO REACH AN AIRPORT AND DITCHED IN THE LAKE. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE AFTER THE ACCIDENT DISCLOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT FAILED. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THE FAILURE RESULTED FROM FATIGUE INDUCED BY A NON-METALLIC INCLUSION IN THE SHAFT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA28R-200
Tail NumberN646RL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRhumb Line
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-C1C · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (5 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total5
Crew 1Age 33 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 9 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point36 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:40
Weather SourceWFAC