On August 9, 1984, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N5105F) was involved in an aviation accident near Tulsa, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The metal elbow was not installed in the flexible induction air duct during an engine overhaul, causing the duct to collapse and block induction airflow to the engine. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A complete power loss occurred during climbout from a night takeoff. The pilot attempted to return but insufficient altitude led to a forced landing. The aircraft struck trees before ground impact. Investigation found a metal elbow missing from the induction air duct following an engine overhaul.
Event Description
During climbout from a nighttime takeoff, the aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to return to the departure airport, but insufficient altitude precluded a successful return. A forced landing was initiated. During this forced landing, the aircraft collided with trees and then impacted the ground.
Investigation Findings
An investigation into the power loss examined the engine's induction system. It was determined that during a previous engine overhaul, a metal elbow had not been installed in the flexible induction air duct. Without this elbow, the duct collapsed, blocking the flow of induction air to the engine. This blockage caused the complete power loss experienced during the climbout.
Probable cause
The metal elbow was not installed in the flexible induction air duct during an engine overhaul, causing the duct to collapse and block induction airflow to the engine.
What happened in the 9 Aug 1984 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Tulsa, OK?
A complete power loss occurred during climbout from a night takeoff. The pilot attempted to return but insufficient altitude led to a forced landing. The aircraft struck trees before ground impact. Investigation found a metal elbow missing from the induction air duct following an engine overhaul.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Aug 1984 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N5105F, at Tulsa, OK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The metal elbow was not installed in the flexible induction air duct during an engine overhaul, causing the duct to collapse and block induction airflow to the engine.
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