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NTSB Report
February 27, 1989 · Piper PA-24-400 · N8471P
Delmont, NJ
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 27, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Delmont, NJ
Aircraft
Piper PA-24-400
Tail Number
N8471P
Operator
Dan Caldarale
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC89LA091
THE PIPER PA-24-400 WAS CRUISING AT 2000 FT WHEN THE PILOT HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE ENGINE STARTED TO VIBRATE & IT LOST OIL PRESSURE. AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING WAS MADE IN A FIELD & THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK TREES. A POST-CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED A FAILURE OF THE NUMBER 6 CONNECTING ROD. IN ADDITION, THE PISTONS WERE FOUND TO BE LARGER THAN THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS. THE ENGINE HAD A TOTAL TIME OF 1400 HRS WITH 40.5 HRS SINCE OVERHAUL.
Full Narrative
THE PIPER PA-24-400 WAS CRUISING AT 2000 FT WHEN THE PILOT HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE ENGINE STARTED TO VIBRATE & IT LOST OIL PRESSURE. AN OFF AIRPORT LANDING WAS MADE IN A FIELD & THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK TREES. A POST-CRASH EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED A FAILURE OF THE NUMBER 6 CONNECTING ROD. IN ADDITION, THE PISTONS WERE FOUND TO BE LARGER THAN THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS. THE ENGINE HAD A TOTAL TIME OF 1400 HRS WITH 40.5 HRS SINCE OVERHAUL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:33 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-24-400
Tail NumberN8471P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDan Caldarale
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-720-A1A · Reciprocating · 400
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility7 sm
CeilingOvercast 3500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point36 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO