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NTSB Report
October 16, 1987 · Piper PA-24-260 · N9097P
San Mateo, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 16, 1987
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
San Mateo, CA
Aircraft
Piper PA-24-260
Tail Number
N9097P
Operator
Graham George R
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX88LA017
WHILE OVER THE OCEAN, THE PILOT NOTED THAT THE ENGINE DID NOT SOUND RIGHT AND THAT THE OIL PRESSURE INDICATION HAD DROPPED TO ZERO. SHORTLY AFTERWARD, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY AND SEIZED. THE PILOT PLANNED FOR A FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAYS. THE PILOT ELECTED TO MAKE AN INTENTIONAL WHEELS-UP LANDING ON UPSLOPING TERRAIN, RESULTING IN A HARD LANDING. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DISCLOSED ABOUT 2 HANDFULS OF METAL FLAKES IN THE OIL SUMP WITH THE OIL PUMP PICKUP SCREEN CLOGGED BY METAL FLAKES. THERE WERE NO METAL FLAKES IN THE ENGINE OIL FILTER. THE NO 6 CONNECTING ROD HAD FAILED AND PENETRATED THE ENGINE CASE. THE EVIDENCE INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS INITIATED BY THE FAILURE OF A CONNECTING ROD BEARING. THE ENGINE HAD BEEN OPERATED 23 HOURS SINCE THE MOST RECENT ANNUAL INSPECTION.
Full Narrative
WHILE OVER THE OCEAN, THE PILOT NOTED THAT THE ENGINE DID NOT SOUND RIGHT AND THAT THE OIL PRESSURE INDICATION HAD DROPPED TO ZERO. SHORTLY AFTERWARD, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY AND SEIZED. THE PILOT PLANNED FOR A FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAYS. THE PILOT ELECTED TO MAKE AN INTENTIONAL WHEELS-UP LANDING ON UPSLOPING TERRAIN, RESULTING IN A HARD LANDING. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DISCLOSED ABOUT 2 HANDFULS OF METAL FLAKES IN THE OIL SUMP WITH THE OIL PUMP PICKUP SCREEN CLOGGED BY METAL FLAKES. THERE WERE NO METAL FLAKES IN THE ENGINE OIL FILTER. THE NO 6 CONNECTING ROD HAD FAILED AND PENETRATED THE ENGINE CASE. THE EVIDENCE INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS INITIATED BY THE FAILURE OF A CONNECTING ROD BEARING. THE ENGINE HAD BEEN OPERATED 23 HOURS SINCE THE MOST RECENT ANNUAL INSPECTION.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:03 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-24-260
Tail NumberN9097P
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorGraham George R
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540-D4A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 8 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 55
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:45
Weather SourceWFAC