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Engine Failure and Postcrash Fire Following Takeoff (N16388)

Aberdeen, MS, US

On March 16, 1992, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N16388) operated by S And S Construction Co., Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Aberdeen, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue failure of the No. 3 connecting rod originating from galling marks on the crankshaft bearing area. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During initial climb after takeoff, witnesses reported engine sputtering and power loss. The aircraft banked steeply and descended into trees, resulting in a postcrash fire. Investigation found fatigue failure of the No. 3 connecting rod originating from galling marks.

Incident Description

Shortly after takeoff, at approximately 100 feet altitude, witnesses heard the engine sputter and lose power. The aircraft was then observed to bank steeply to the left and descend into trees, where a postcrash fire erupted.

Examination Findings

The investigation revealed that the No. 3 connecting rod had failed due to fatigue. The fatigue crack originated from galling marks in the bearing area on the end of the crankshaft. According to Lycoming Engines, galling is caused by engine overspeed or overboost. No records were found indicating that such events had occurred.

After separation, the connecting rod jammed into the engine case but did not hinder engine rotation. The propeller exhibited rotational damage, and the blade angle at impact was consistent with an engine speed in the 2100 RPM range. Several large tree limbs were found cut by the propeller at the crash site.

Probable cause

Fatigue failure of the No. 3 connecting rod originating from galling marks on the crankshaft bearing area.
Engine failure

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Mar 1992 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Aberdeen, MS?

During initial climb after takeoff, witnesses reported engine sputtering and power loss. The aircraft banked steeply and descended into trees, resulting in a postcrash fire. Investigation found fatigue failure of the No. 3 connecting rod originating from galling marks.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Mar 1992 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N16388, operated by S And S Construction Co., Inc., at Aberdeen, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fatigue failure of the No. 3 connecting rod originating from galling marks on the crankshaft bearing area.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14331. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.