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June 15, 2005 · Piper PA-25-260 · N4754Y

Southampton, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 15, 2005
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Southampton, NJ
Aircraft
Piper PA-25-260
Tail Number
N4754Y
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD05LA077

While applying liquid fungicide to a cranberry bog the airplane passed over a road at 800 feet msl, the pilot heard a "loud bang," quickly followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot then maneuvered to place the airplane in a position for a forced landing. After dumping his load of fungicide and clearing some trees, the airplane touched down in a furrowed cornfield and was substantially damaged. An examination of the engine revealed internal damage including galling of a bearing and crankshaft bearing surface. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector the galling was indicative of a "lack of lubrication," however; no mechanical malfunction, leak, or blockage of the lubrication system was reported by the inspector.

NTSB Probable Cause

A lack of lubrication for undetermined reasons which resulted in the failure of the Nos. 4 and 5 connecting rods, and a subsequent total loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the furrowed cornfield.

Full Narrative

On June 15, 2005, at 0800 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-25-260, N4754Y, operated by Wings Aerial Applicators, LLC. was substantially damaged during a forced landing while maneuvering near Southampton, New Jersey. The certificated airline transport pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local aerial application flight, conducted under 14 CFR Part 137. According to the pilot, he departed the Pemberton Airport (3N7), Pemberton, New Jersey at approximately 0725 hours for his second flight of the day. While applying liquid fungicide to a cranberry bog he passed over a road at 800 feet msl, and heard a "loud bang," quickly followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot executed a 180-degree turn and maneuvered to align the airplane with the wind and a cornfield. He then dumped the 110-gallon, "dilute" load of fungicide and water over a field of sorghum. After clearing some trees, the airplane touched down firmly in a deeply furrowed cornfield with a steep uphill slope. The airplane then rolled out about 50 feet, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest in an upright position. A visual examination of the engine by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, revealed an approximately 8-inch by 12-inch hole in the engine case, above the No. 4 cylinder in the area of the valve lifters. Further examination also revealed that the external damage extended down from the upper mating surfaces of the engine case to the top of the cylinder mounting pad. Internal examination of the engine revealed that the No. 1 cylinder connecting rod and bearings exhibited galling of the bearing, and crankshaft bearing surfaces. The No. 3 cylinder barrel skirt was damaged and exhibited indentations and local plastic yielding in several locations. Both the Nos. 4 and 5 cylinder connecting rods were broken and the Nos. 1, 2, and 4 cylinder connecting rod end caps, exhibited signs of heat stress. According to an FAA inspector, excessive galling of the bearing and crankshaft bearing surfaces were indicative of a "lack of lubrication," however; no mechanical malfunction, leak, or blockage of the lubrication system was reported by the inspector.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-25-260
Tail NumberN4754Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-G1A5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 41 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 9 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter29.62 inHg
Observation Time11:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data