On March 30, 1987, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N8191V) operated by Griffin Pipeline Patrol Co. was involved in an aviation accident near Marlin, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue failure at the wing root, originating near an outboard carry-through attachment bolt hole. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft conducting pipeline patrol at low altitude experienced left wing separation due to fatigue failure at the wing root, originating near a carry-through attachment bolt hole.
Accident Details
The aircraft involved in this accident had accumulated 7,490 flight hours, all during pipeline patrol operations. Before the accident, witnesses observed the aircraft flying straight and level at a low altitude along a pipeline right-of-way. Suddenly, a wing separated from the aircraft, and the aircraft immediately plunged to the ground. The left wing was found 588 feet from the main wreckage.
Investigation Findings
An investigation determined that the left wing had separated at the wing root due to fatigue failure. The fatigue crack originated near one of the outboard carry-through attachment bolt holes. The evidence showed that the fracture surfaces exhibited characteristics consistent with fatigue cracking, leading to the structural failure.
Probable cause
Fatigue failure at the wing root, originating near an outboard carry-through attachment bolt hole.
What happened in the 30 Mar 1987 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Marlin, TX?
An aircraft conducting pipeline patrol at low altitude experienced left wing separation due to fatigue failure at the wing root, originating near a carry-through attachment bolt hole.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Mar 1987 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N8191V, operated by Griffin Pipeline Patrol Co., at Marlin, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fatigue failure at the wing root, originating near an outboard carry-through attachment bolt hole.
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