On March 28, 1986, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N4804S) was involved in an aviation accident near Henryville, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Crankshaft failure due to high cycle, low stress fatigue cracking that initiated from a subsurface origin area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After leveling at 9,000 ft, the pilot experienced an engine failure. Forced landing resulted in tree strike and additional damage. Investigation found crankshaft failure from high cycle fatigue cracking originating subsurface.
Incident Summary
Shortly after leveling the aircraft at 9,000 feet mean sea level, the pilot experienced an engine failure. The subsequent forced landing resulted in the aircraft striking a tree and sustaining further damage during the landing roll.
Metallurgical Findings
A metallurgical examination was conducted on the failed engine. The crankshaft was found to have fractured due to high cycle, low stress fatigue cracking. The fatigue crack originated from a subsurface area within the crankshaft. The camshaft was also discovered to have failed, but analysis indicated the camshaft failure occurred subsequent to the crankshaft failure.
Probable cause
Crankshaft failure due to high cycle, low stress fatigue cracking that initiated from a subsurface origin area.
What happened in the 28 Mar 1986 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Henryville, IN?
After leveling at 9,000 ft, the pilot experienced an engine failure. Forced landing resulted in tree strike and additional damage. Investigation found crankshaft failure from high cycle fatigue cracking originating subsurface.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Mar 1986 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N4804S, at Henryville, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Crankshaft failure due to high cycle, low stress fatigue cracking that initiated from a subsurface origin area.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…