On June 14, 1987, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N7306W) operated by Robert M. Jackson was involved in an aviation accident near Anderson, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A screw holding the breaker points in the right magneto came out, allowing the points to come loose and not follow the lobes on the cam, resulting in engine misfire. 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.
After lift-off, the engine began misfiring. While turning to avoid a house, the aircraft stalled and the left wing struck the ground. Investigation found a screw in the right magneto had come loose.
Incident Description
The pilot reported that shortly after lift-off, the engine began 'hitting & missing.' To avoid a house, he executed a shallow left turn with the intention of landing in a corn field. However, during the turn, the aircraft stalled and the left wing struck the ground.
Examination Findings
An examination of the engine revealed the cause of the misfire. A screw that held the breaker points in the right magneto had come out. This allowed the points to become loose and not follow the lobes on the cam, disrupting the ignition timing.
The aircraft had accumulated 50 hours of flight time since its last annual inspection.
Probable cause
A screw holding the breaker points in the right magneto came out, allowing the points to come loose and not follow the lobes on the cam, resulting in engine misfire.
What happened in the 14 Jun 1987 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Anderson, IN?
After lift-off, the engine began misfiring. While turning to avoid a house, the aircraft stalled and the left wing struck the ground. Investigation found a screw in the right magneto had come loose.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Jun 1987 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N7306W, operated by Robert M. Jackson, at Anderson, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A screw holding the breaker points in the right magneto came out, allowing the points to come loose and not follow the lobes on the cam, resulting in engine misfire.
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