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NTSB Report
December 5, 2023 · Piper PA-28-180 · N9166J
Mesa, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 5, 2023
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Mesa, AZ
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-180 (1966)
Tail Number
N9166J
Operator
Red Rock Flying School
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR24LA051
According to the flight instructor, while in cruise flight transitioning between airports, the right side of the engine upper cowling came unlatched and struck the windshield. The left side of the upper cowling remained attached, and the pilot landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the windshield. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right front fastener pin, which secures the front of the upper cowling adjacent to the air intake, had separated from the cowling structure. This likely allowed the forward right side of the upper cowling to separate from the lower cowling and move up into the airstream, resulting in the overload failure of the right side cowling latches.
NTSB Probable Cause
A failure of the engine cowling right side latch pin and fasteners, which resulted in the partial separation of the engine cowling during flight.
Full Narrative
According to the flight instructor, while in cruise flight transitioning between airports, the right side of the engine upper cowling came unlatched and struck the windshield. The left side of the upper cowling remained attached, and the pilot landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the windshield. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right front fastener pin, which secures the front of the upper cowling adjacent to the air intake, had separated from the cowling structure. This likely allowed the forward right side of the upper cowling to separate from the lower cowling and move up into the airstream, resulting in the overload failure of the right side cowling latches.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:30 MST
Nearest AirportPhoenix-Mesa Gateway (1nm N)
Runway30L
Runway Length10401 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-28-180
Tail NumberN9166J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRed Rock Flying School
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A3A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 28 · First Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightNight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 F / 39 F
Altimeter30.13 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC