On September 4, 1991, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N2080T) operated by Crawford, Jeffrey C. was involved in an aviation accident near Redwood City, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue fracture of the number two connecting rod and cap with the origin on the bore surface. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced an engine failure during flight when the number two connecting rod and cap fractured. The pilot attempted a forced landing in a pasture, but the aircraft collided with terrain. Metallurgical examination revealed fatigue fractures from galling.
Engine Failure
A 400-hour since factory remanufactured engine began to run rough during flight. Subsequently, the engine quit with a loud bang. The pilot attempted to complete a forced landing in a pasture area. During the landing attempt, the aircraft collided with the ground.
Metallurgical Findings
Disassembly of the engine revealed that the number two cylinder connecting rod and its associated rod cap had failed. A metallurgical examination of all connecting rods and caps was performed. The number two rod and cap failed due to a fatigue fracture with an origin on the bore surface. Areas of galling were found on both the rod cap and the connecting rod bore. Cracks were identified within the galled area on the number two connecting rod bore.
Examination of the three remaining connecting rods and their caps revealed galled areas within the bores. The metallurgist stated that he had observed similar failures on helicopter piston engines which were known to have had an overspeed.
Probable cause
Fatigue fracture of the number two connecting rod and cap with the origin on the bore surface.
What happened in the 4 Sept 1991 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Redwood City, CA?
An aircraft experienced an engine failure during flight when the number two connecting rod and cap fractured. The pilot attempted a forced landing in a pasture, but the aircraft collided with terrain. Metallurgical examination revealed fatigue fractures from galling.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Sept 1991 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N2080T, operated by Crawford, Jeffrey C., at Redwood City, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Fatigue fracture of the number two connecting rod and cap with the origin on the bore surface.
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