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NTSB Report
June 26, 1982 · Piper PA-32-260 · N3446W
Belle Chasse, LA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 26, 1982
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 serious injuries)
Location
Belle Chasse, LA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N3446W
Operator
Sizor Machinery
Injuries
Fatal
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW82FRD16
THE ACFT DEPARTED SOUTHERN SEAPLANE'S LAND RWY 20 & CLIMBED TO APPROXIMATELY 200-300 FT WHERE IT WAS OBSERVED TRAILING WHITE SMOKE. IT TRAVELLED APPROXIMATELY 1.6 MI FROM ITS DEPARTURE POINT & STRUCK A TREE ON THE BANK OF THE ALGIERS OUTFALL CANAL. ENG TEAR DOWN INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE #3 CYLINDER SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE #5 CYLINDER & ROD ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND TO HAVE LOOSE CONNECTING ROD CAP NUTS. BOTH #3 & #5 CONRODS & CYLINDERS WERE REPLACED ON 9/29/81. #1, 2, & 4 CYLINDERS HAD SEVERAL DIME TO QUARTER SIZE PIECES OF ALUMINUM ON TOP OF THE PISTON INSIDE THE CYLINDERS.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT DEPARTED SOUTHERN SEAPLANE'S LAND RWY 20 & CLIMBED TO APPROXIMATELY 200-300 FT WHERE IT WAS OBSERVED TRAILING WHITE SMOKE. IT TRAVELLED APPROXIMATELY 1.6 MI FROM ITS DEPARTURE POINT & STRUCK A TREE ON THE BANK OF THE ALGIERS OUTFALL CANAL. ENG TEAR DOWN INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE #3 CYLINDER SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE #5 CYLINDER & ROD ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND TO HAVE LOOSE CONNECTING ROD CAP NUTS. BOTH #3 & #5 CONRODS & CYLINDERS WERE REPLACED ON 9/29/81. #1, 2, & 4 CYLINDERS HAD SEVERAL DIME TO QUARTER SIZE PIECES OF ALUMINUM ON TOP OF THE PISTON INSIDE THE CYLINDERS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 CDT
Nearest AirportSouthern Seaplane (0nm N)
Runway20
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireBoth
Aircraft ExplosionBoth
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN3446W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorSizor Machinery
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (1 fatality, 2 serious injuries)
Fatal1
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 6 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point18 C / 0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time16:51