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NTSB Report
September 5, 1989 · Piper PA-28-161 · N8068C
Chanhassen, MN
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 5, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Chanhassen, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-161
Tail Number
N8068C
Operator
Thunderbird Aircraft
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC89LA193
WHILE ON A NIGHT, CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE PILOT SAID THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A HIGHWAY WITHOUT DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT. WHILE THE PILOT AND PASSENGERS WERE IN THE FULLY STOPPED AIRCRAFT, IT WAS STRUCK BY A MOTOR VEHICLE, DAMAGING THE LEFT WING. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED A REAR CRANKSHAFT DOWELL PIN HAD SHEARED, CAUSING ALL REAR ENGINE DRIVEN ACCESSORIES AND THE CAMSHAFT TO CEASE OPERATION, RESULTING IN POWERPLANT FAILURE.
NTSB Probable Cause
ENGINE ASSEMBLY DOWELL PIN SHEARED CAUSING TOTAL POWERPLANT FAILURE AND INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT BY THE DRIVER OF THE GROUND VEHICLE.
Full Narrative
WHILE ON A NIGHT, CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE PILOT SAID THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE PILOT WAS ABLE TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A HIGHWAY WITHOUT DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT. WHILE THE PILOT AND PASSENGERS WERE IN THE FULLY STOPPED AIRCRAFT, IT WAS STRUCK BY A MOTOR VEHICLE, DAMAGING THE LEFT WING. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED A REAR CRANKSHAFT DOWELL PIN HAD SHEARED, CAUSING ALL REAR ENGINE DRIVEN ACCESSORIES AND THE CAMSHAFT TO CEASE OPERATION, RESULTING IN POWERPLANT FAILURE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-161
Tail NumberN8068C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorThunderbird Aircraft
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-D3G · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 35 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind200° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time01:45
Weather SourceWFAC