On July 17, 1991, a Piper PA32-300 (registration N5233S) operated by Darryl Rhodes & James Hanenber was involved in an aviation accident near Corona, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed due to the left magneto impulse coupling flyweights striking the stop pins, which seized the magneto and sheared the accessory drive gear alignment dowel, uncoupling the accessory drive train. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a visual approach, the aircraft's engine failed. The pilot executed an emergency landing but neglected to maintain airspeed above the stall speed, resulting in a stall and impact with rough terrain. Investigation found that the left magneto impulse coupling flyweights struck the stop pins, causing the engine failure.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft experienced an engine failure while on a visual approach for landing. The pilot initiated an emergency landing procedure. During the subsequent emergency descent, the pilot failed to maintain an airspeed above the aircraft's stall speed. The aircraft subsequently stalled and impacted the ground in rough terrain.
Engine Examination
A post-accident examination of the power plant revealed that the left magneto impulse coupling flyweights had struck the stop pins. This impact seized the magneto and sheared the accessory drive gear alignment dowel. The failure resulted in the uncoupling of the accessory drive train, which led to the engine failure.
Probable cause
The engine failed due to the left magneto impulse coupling flyweights striking the stop pins, which seized the magneto and sheared the accessory drive gear alignment dowel, uncoupling the accessory drive train. Additionally, the pilot neglected to maintain an airspeed above the aircraft's stall speed during the emergency descent, resulting in a stall and subsequent impact with terrain.
What happened in the 17 Jul 1991 Piper PA32-300 accident near Corona, CA?
During a visual approach, the aircraft's engine failed. The pilot executed an emergency landing but neglected to maintain airspeed above the stall speed, resulting in a stall and impact with rough terrain. Investigation found that the left magneto impulse coupling flyweights struck the stop pins, causing the engine…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Jul 1991 involved a Piper PA32-300, registration N5233S, operated by Darryl Rhodes & James Hanenber, at Corona, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine failed due to the left magneto impulse coupling flyweights striking the stop pins, which seized the magneto and sheared the accessory drive gear alignment dowel, uncoupling the accessory drive train. Additionally, the pilot neglected to maintain an airspeed above the aircraft's stall speed during the…
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