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December 19, 2012 · Piper L-18C · N3134G

Graham, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 19, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Graham, TX
Aircraft
Piper L-18C
Tail Number
N3134G
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN13LA111

The pilot was returning to the airport when the engine experienced a total loss of power. As the pilot maneuvered to perform a forced landing, the engine seized and the propeller stopped. The airplane landed hard, bounced, and nosed over, coming to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and rudder. An examination of the engine revealed that a connecting rod failed and broke through the crankcase, which resulted in a loss of oil and the subsequent loss of engine power. The reason for the failure of the connecting rod could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of an engine connecting rod and the subsequent loss of oil pressure, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On December 19, 2012, about 1700 central standard time, a Piper L-18C airplane, N3134G, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Graham, Texas. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, which operated without a flight plan. The local flight originated from the Graham Municipal Airport (KRPH), Graham, Texas, about 1600. According to a statement provided by the pilot, when returning to the airport, he noted that the engine's oil pressure went to zero, the rpms began to reduce, and the engine power decreased. As the pilot maneuvered to perform a forced landing, the engine seized and the propeller stopped. The airplane landed hard, bounced, and nosed over, coming to rest in the inverted position. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and rudder. An examination of the engine revealed a broken connecting rod and damage to the engine case. The reason for the failure of the connecting rod could not be determined.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:00 CST
Nearest AirportGraham Municipal (2nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper L-18C
Tail NumberN3134G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · C90-12F · Reciprocating · 95
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 C
Altimeter29.56 inHg
Observation Time23:00
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data