On January 16, 1988, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N8737W) was involved in an aviation accident near Littlefield, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the connecting rod cap attaching bolt in flight, which caused the engine to stop. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A connecting rod cap bolt failure caused an engine stoppage during final approach, leading to a forced landing in a field short of the airport where the aircraft struck a ditch.
What happened
The aircraft was on final approach to the runway when the engine suddenly stopped. The pilot was unable to reach the runway and executed a forced landing in a farm field located short of the airport. Upon touchdown, the aircraft collided with a ditch, which resulted in landing gear failure and damage to the left wing.
The investigation
Examination of the engine revealed that the connecting rod cap attaching bolt had failed in flight. This mechanical failure was the direct cause of the engine stopping.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the in-flight failure of the connecting rod cap attaching bolt. This led to a loss of power during a critical phase of flight, necessitating an emergency landing away from the airport.
Probable cause
The failure of the connecting rod cap attaching bolt in flight, which caused the engine to stop.
What happened in the 16 Jan 1988 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Littlefield, TX?
A connecting rod cap bolt failure caused an engine stoppage during final approach, leading to a forced landing in a field short of the airport where the aircraft struck a ditch.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Jan 1988 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N8737W, at Littlefield, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the connecting rod cap attaching bolt in flight, which caused the engine to stop.
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