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NTSB Report
October 21, 1990 · Piper PA-24-250 · N5506P
Savannah, GA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 21, 1990
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Savannah, GA
Aircraft
Piper PA-24-250
Tail Number
N5506P
Operator
Cottle C R Jr
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL91LA007
WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT, AT ABOUT 2000 FEET, THE ENGINE QUIT WITH A BANG. OIL COVERED THE WINDSCREEN. THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING INTO A SWAMPY, MARSHY AREA, WITH THE LANDING GEAR RETRACTED. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE BY A MECHANIC REVEALED THAT THE NO. 5 & 6 CONNECTING RODS HAD SEPARATED. THE DAMAGE WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE RESULT OF A ROD CAP BOLT FAILURE. THE ENGINE HAD 1851 TOTAL HOURS. A TOP OVERHAUL WAS COMPLETED ABOUT 875 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
NTSB Probable Cause
TOTAL FAILURE OF A CONNECTING ROD CAP BOLT WHICH RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER.
Full Narrative
WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT, AT ABOUT 2000 FEET, THE ENGINE QUIT WITH A BANG. OIL COVERED THE WINDSCREEN. THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING INTO A SWAMPY, MARSHY AREA, WITH THE LANDING GEAR RETRACTED. SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE BY A MECHANIC REVEALED THAT THE NO. 5 & 6 CONNECTING RODS HAD SEPARATED. THE DAMAGE WAS DETERMINED TO BE THE RESULT OF A ROD CAP BOLT FAILURE. THE ENGINE HAD 1851 TOTAL HOURS. A TOP OVERHAUL WAS COMPLETED ABOUT 875 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:26 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-24-250
Tail NumberN5506P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCottle C R Jr
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-A1A5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 66 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 14 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingOvercast 5500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time19:26
Weather SourceWFAC