On June 26, 1982, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N3446W) operated by Sizor Machinery Company was involved in an aviation accident near Belle Chasse, LA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft departing Southern Seaplane's Runway 20 experienced an engine failure, trailing white smoke, and struck a tree on the bank of the Algiers Outfall Canal after traveling 1.6 miles.
Departure and Incident
The aircraft departed from Southern Seaplane's land runway 20 and climbed to an altitude of approximately 200 to 300 feet. White smoke was observed trailing from the aircraft during the climb. The aircraft traveled approximately 1.6 miles from its departure point before striking a tree on the bank of the Algiers Outfall Canal.
Engine Examination
A teardown inspection of the engine revealed that the #3 cylinder had suffered a catastrophic failure. The #5 cylinder and rod assembly was found to have loose connecting rod cap nuts. Both the #3 and #5 connecting rods and cylinders had been replaced on September 29, 1981. Additionally, the #1, #2, and #4 cylinders contained several dime- to quarter-sized pieces of aluminum on top of the pistons inside the cylinders.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Jun 1982 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Belle Chasse, LA?
An aircraft departing Southern Seaplane's Runway 20 experienced an engine failure, trailing white smoke, and struck a tree on the bank of the Algiers Outfall Canal after traveling 1.6 miles.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Jun 1982 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N3446W, operated by Sizor Machinery Company, at Belle Chasse, LA.
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