On June 6, 1985, a Piper PA-32R-301T (registration N8215B) operated by Executive Charter OF Memphis was involved in an aviation accident near Newnan, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The sharp edges of the roll pin wore through the centering spacer for the tach drive assembly, which then migrated to the oil sump. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft engine failed during operation, leading to a landing in a warehouse parking lot between rows of trailers. Inspection revealed that a roll pin had worn through a spacer, which entered the oil sump and caused internal damage including broken cam followers and a cracked engine case.
Incident Summary
The engine of an aircraft began running roughly and then stopped. The pilot subsequently landed the aircraft in a warehouse parking lot, between two rows of trailers that were 40 to 45 feet in height.
Examination Findings
A post-flight examination of the engine revealed that the sharp edges of a roll pin had worn through the centering spacer for the tachometer drive assembly. That spacer then migrated to the oil sump. The heads of seven cam followers were found broken. The engine case was cracked in multiple locations by fragments of metal that had become crushed between the rod caps and the case.
The investigation identified no other contributing factors.
Probable cause
The sharp edges of the roll pin wore through the centering spacer for the tach drive assembly, which then migrated to the oil sump.
What happened in the 6 Jun 1985 Piper PA-32R-301T accident near Newnan, GA?
An aircraft engine failed during operation, leading to a landing in a warehouse parking lot between rows of trailers. Inspection revealed that a roll pin had worn through a spacer, which entered the oil sump and caused internal damage including broken cam followers and a cracked engine case.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Jun 1985 involved a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration N8215B, operated by Executive Charter OF Memphis, at Newnan, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The sharp edges of the roll pin wore through the centering spacer for the tach drive assembly, which then migrated to the oil sump.
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