On July 30, 1984, a Piper PA32R300 (registration N1654H) was involved in an aviation accident near Des Moines, IA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Two connecting rods failed from high stress fatigue; three cam followers showed severe wear and heavy spalling damage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced severe engine shudder, oil smear on windshield, and total power loss after takeoff. The forced landing on a farm resulted in landing gear separation and wing damage. Metallurgical exam revealed connecting rod fatigue and cam follower wear.
Incident
Shortly after takeoff, upon reaching a cruise altitude of 3,500 feet MSL, the aircraft engine began to shudder badly. The pilot executed a 180-degree course reversal to return to the airport and reported to ATC that oil on the windshield obstructed external visibility. After completing the turn, the engine lost total power. The pilot initiated a forced landing on a farm. During the landing, the landing gear separated upon contacting the lip of a fencerow. The aircraft then traveled through a barbed wire fence, where fence posts damaged the wings.
Examination
Metallurgical examination of failed engine components revealed that two connecting rods failed due to high stress fatigue. Additionally, three cam followers showed severely worn heads with heavy spalling damage.
Probable cause
Two connecting rods failed from high stress fatigue; three cam followers showed severe wear and heavy spalling damage.
What happened in the 30 Jul 1984 Piper PA32R300 accident near Des Moines, IA?
An aircraft experienced severe engine shudder, oil smear on windshield, and total power loss after takeoff. The forced landing on a farm resulted in landing gear separation and wing damage. Metallurgical exam revealed connecting rod fatigue and cam follower wear.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Jul 1984 involved a Piper PA32R300, registration N1654H, at Des Moines, IA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Two connecting rods failed from high stress fatigue; three cam followers showed severe wear and heavy spalling damage.
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