On September 5, 1989, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N8068C) operated by Thunderbird Aircraft Co. was involved in an aviation accident near Chanhassen, MN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The powerplant failure was caused by a sheared rear crankshaft dowel pin, which ceased operation of rear engine-driven accessories and the camshaft. 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.
During a night cross-country flight, the pilot reported an engine failure and landed on a highway without damage. While stopped, the aircraft was struck by a motor vehicle, damaging the left wing. Investigation found a sheared rear crankshaft dowel pin caused the powerplant failure.
Incident Overview
During a night cross-country flight, the pilot reported that the engine failed. The pilot executed an emergency landing on a highway, which resulted in no damage to the aircraft. After the aircraft came to a complete stop, while the pilot and passengers were still inside, it was struck by a motor vehicle. The impact caused damage to the left wing.
Investigation Findings
A post-accident investigation revealed that a rear crankshaft dowel pin had sheared. This failure caused all rear engine-driven accessories and the camshaft to cease operation, resulting in powerplant failure. The engine failure necessitated the emergency landing.
Probable cause
The powerplant failure was caused by a sheared rear crankshaft dowel pin, which ceased operation of rear engine-driven accessories and the camshaft.
What happened in the 5 Sept 1989 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Chanhassen, MN?
During a night cross-country flight, the pilot reported an engine failure and landed on a highway without damage. While stopped, the aircraft was struck by a motor vehicle, damaging the left wing. Investigation found a sheared rear crankshaft dowel pin caused the powerplant failure.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Sept 1989 Piper PA-28-161 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Sept 1989 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N8068C, operated by Thunderbird Aircraft Co., at Chanhassen, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The powerplant failure was caused by a sheared rear crankshaft dowel pin, which ceased operation of rear engine-driven accessories and the camshaft.
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