On September 3, 1987, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N596SP) was involved in an aviation accident near Montgomeryville, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the oil line between the engine and oil cooler, leading to oil starvation and subsequent failure of the number 2 connecting rod. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During climb at 1500 feet, engine lost power; pilot turned back but all power lost. Aircraft damaged in corn field landing. Post-accident exam found oil line failure and subsequent connecting rod failure due to oil starvation.
Incident Overview
While climbing through approximately 1500 feet after takeoff, the engine began to lose power. The pilot initiated a turn back toward the airport, but subsequently all engine power was lost. The aircraft was damaged during a landing in a corn field.
Examination Findings
A post-accident examination revealed that the oil line between the engine and oil cooler had failed. As a result, the number 2 connecting rod failed due to oil starvation. The oil line had accumulated 1613 hours of operation.
Service Bulletin Reference
Piper Service Bulletin Number 531 recommended that the oil line be replaced after 1000 hours of operation.
Probable cause
Failure of the oil line between the engine and oil cooler, leading to oil starvation and subsequent failure of the number 2 connecting rod.
What happened in the 3 Sept 1987 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Montgomeryville, PA?
During climb at 1500 feet, engine lost power; pilot turned back but all power lost. Aircraft damaged in corn field landing. Post-accident exam found oil line failure and subsequent connecting rod failure due to oil starvation.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Sept 1987 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N596SP, at Montgomeryville, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Failure of the oil line between the engine and oil cooler, leading to oil starvation and subsequent failure of the number 2 connecting rod.
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