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July 1, 2011 · Piper PA-28-180 · N56417

Flippin, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 1, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Flippin, AR
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180
Tail Number
N56417
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11LA441

While in cruise flight the pilot noted a decrease in engine rpm. He began to troubleshoot the problem and reversed course to head toward more favorable terrain for a forced landing. After completing the turn, the engine seized, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a pasture. During the landing roll, the right wing impacted a bale of hay, resulting in substantial damage. An examination of the engine revealed that the loss of engine power and resultant seizure was due to a loss of engine oil. Further examination revealed that the bolts on the vacuum pump were loose and the engine oil was exiting at that location. An examination of the airframe and remaining systems revealed no anomalies.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-Recip eng rear section-Incorrect service/maintenance - C

Full Narrative

On July 1, 2011, approximately 1100 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, N56417, was substantially damaged when it impacted a bale of hay during a forced landing near Flippin, Arkansas. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was registered to Mid-South Specialty Construction LLC., and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight which operated without a flight plan. The flight originated from Mountain Home, Arkansas, and was en route to Marshall, Arkansas. According to the pilot, he was in cruise flight when he noted a decrease in engine rpm. The pilot began to troubleshoot the decrease and reversed course to head towards more favorable terrain for a forced landing. After completing the turn, the engine seized. The pilot performed a forced landing to a pasture. During the landing roll, the right wing impacted a bale of hay, separating the right wing from the fuselage. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that the airplane had just undergone maintenance. An examination of the engine revealed that the loss of engine power and resultant seizure was due to a loss of engine oil. Further examination revealed that the bolts on the vacuum pump were loose and the engine oil was exiting at this location. An examination of the airframe and remaining systems revealed no anomalies.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN56417
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O&VO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data