On March 1, 1988, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N16255) operated by Quade's Flight School was involved in an aviation accident near Maybrook, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The physical absence of the vacuum pump from the aircraft, which caused the engine to seize. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Piper PA-28 experienced engine failure shortly after takeoff during a local pleasure flight. The pilot executed an off-airport landing in a snow-covered field after the vacuum pump was found missing from the aircraft.
What happened
The Piper PA-28 departed on a local pleasure flight. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot observed that the engine was running roughly and noted a loss of oil pressure. The engine subsequently seized, forcing the pilot to make an off-airport landing in a snow-covered field.
The investigation
A post-crash examination of the aircraft revealed that the vacuum pump was physically missing from the airframe. Investigators were unable to determine the reason for its absence.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was the missing vacuum pump, which led to engine seizure and the subsequent forced landing.
Probable cause
The physical absence of the vacuum pump from the aircraft, which caused the engine to seize.
What happened in the 1 Mar 1988 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Maybrook, NY?
A Piper PA-28 experienced engine failure shortly after takeoff during a local pleasure flight. The pilot executed an off-airport landing in a snow-covered field after the vacuum pump was found missing from the aircraft.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Mar 1988 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N16255, operated by Quade's Flight School, at Maybrook, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The physical absence of the vacuum pump from the aircraft, which caused the engine to seize.
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