On February 22, 1992, a Piper PA-28R-201T (registration N9343C) operated by Higgins, Melvin W & Jean was involved in an aviation accident near Ludlow, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the No. 5 connecting rod due to fatigue, and the maintenance facility's failure to comply with Continental Service Bulletin No. M86-11, Rev. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An airplane experienced a catastrophic connecting rod failure during cruise, leading to an emergency landing on an interstate highway. Investigation found fatigue failure and maintenance non-compliance with a service bulletin.
Incident
An airplane sustained a catastrophic connecting rod failure while in cruise flight. The subsequent emergency landing was performed on an interstate highway, during which the airplane was substantially damaged.
Investigation
Examination of the engine revealed that the No. 5 connecting rod had failed at the small end due to fatigue. The failed component was identified as a Cornel forging part number 626119.
Maintenance Findings
A review of the aircraft logbook indicated that the Nos. 5 and 6 cylinders had been removed and replaced approximately 10 months prior to the accident. The maintenance facility that performed this work failed to comply with Continental Service Bulletin No. M86-11, Revision 1. This service bulletin recommends that whenever cylinders are removed for any reason, the Cornel forging connecting rod (part number 626119) should be replaced with a stronger connecting rod.
Probable cause
Failure of the No. 5 connecting rod due to fatigue, and the maintenance facility's failure to comply with Continental Service Bulletin No. M86-11, Rev. 1, which recommends replacing the Cornel forging connecting rod 626119 with a stronger rod when cylinders are removed.
What happened in the 22 Feb 1992 Piper PA-28R-201T accident near Ludlow, CA?
An airplane experienced a catastrophic connecting rod failure during cruise, leading to an emergency landing on an interstate highway. Investigation found fatigue failure and maintenance non-compliance with a service bulletin.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Feb 1992 involved a Piper PA-28R-201T, registration N9343C, operated by Higgins, Melvin W & Jean, at Ludlow, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Failure of the No. 5 connecting rod due to fatigue, and the maintenance facility's failure to comply with Continental Service Bulletin No. M86-11, Rev. 1, which recommends replacing the Cornel forging connecting rod 626119 with a stronger rod when cylinders are removed.
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