On July 2, 1983, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N4838Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Corning, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The #5 rod bearing failed due to lack of lubrication. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed in a swamp after its engine seized during a forced landing. The pilot had noted low oil pressure and high oil temperature, then jettisoned the load and attempted to return. Post-accident examination revealed a failed rod bearing and debris in the oil sump.
Incident Overview
An aircraft experienced an engine failure while in flight, leading to a forced landing in a swamp. The pilot first noticed a lack of oil pressure and rising oil temperature. In response, the load was dumped, and the pilot initiated a return to land. However, the engine began running rough and subsequently seized, forcing the aircraft to land in the swamp.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the engine after the accident identified that the #5 rod bearing had failed due to a lack of lubrication. Additionally, two extra magneto drive cushions were discovered in the bottom of the oil sump, near the oil pickup tube. The engine had accumulated 290 hours of operation since the last recorded magneto maintenance, though it was not determined whether that maintenance involved removal of the magnetos.
Probable cause
The #5 rod bearing failed due to lack of lubrication.