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October 4, 2020 · Piper PA28 160 · N6179U

Fulton, NY

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 4, 2020
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Fulton, NY
Aircraft
Piper PA28 160
Tail Number
N6179U
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA21LA006

Shortly after takeoff, the engine crankshaft expansion plug dislodged, and oil started to cover the airplane’s windscreen. The pilot attempted to return to, and land on the departure runway; however, the airplane subsequently touched down more than halfway down the runway. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane and it went off the runway and struck a chain link fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and both wings. The crankshaft expansion plug was installed during maintenance that was performed 3 days prior to the accident. The mechanic who performed the maintenance stated that he installed the crankshaft plug using a ball peen hammer; instead of following the procedures outlined by the engine manufacturer; which called for the use of a special tool to properly deform and seat the plug. The mechanic said that he has used a ball peen hammer in the past to install crankshaft plugs with success; however, in this instance, the plug did not seat properly, dislodged, and allowed oil to exit the end of the crankshaft in flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The mechanic’s improper maintenance, which resulted in the crankshaft expansion plug dislodging in flight and a subsequent forced landing.

Full Narrative

Shortly after takeoff, the engine crankshaft expansion plug dislodged, and oil started to cover the airplane’s windscreen. The pilot attempted to return to, and land on the departure runway; however, the airplane subsequently touched down more than halfway down the runway. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane and it went off the runway and struck a chain link fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and both wings. The crankshaft expansion plug was installed during maintenance that was performed 3 days prior to the accident. The mechanic who performed the maintenance stated that he installed the crankshaft plug using a ball peen hammer; instead of following the procedures outlined by the engine manufacturer; which called for the use of a special tool to properly deform and seat the plug. The mechanic said that he has used a ball peen hammer in the past to install crankshaft plugs with success; however, in this instance, the plug did not seat properly, dislodged, and allowed oil to exit the end of the crankshaft in flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 EDT
Nearest AirportOswego County (0nm N)
Runway24
Runway Length3996 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA28 160
Tail NumberN6179U
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 68 · Basc · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 11000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point57 / 32 C
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time12:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data