On June 2, 1993, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N8127K) operated by Skagway Air Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Skagway, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AS A RESULT OF A FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE #2 CONNECTING ROD. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE EMERGENCY LANDING. 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.
After takeoff from Skagway, the pilot observed decreasing oil pressure, then metallic engine sounds followed by power loss. An emergency landing on a glacier was performed. Investigation revealed a fatigue fracture in the #2 cylinder connecting rod.
Accident Sequence
The flight departed Skagway. Approximately 15 minutes after departure, while maneuvering over a glacier, the pilot noted a decreasing trend in engine oil pressure. Shortly thereafter, the engine began emitting metallic sounds and subsequently ceased operating. The pilot executed an emergency landing on the glacier.
Examination Findings
An on-site inspection of the engine identified that the connecting rod for the #2 cylinder had failed. The component was submitted for metallurgical analysis at the safety board's laboratory. The examination revealed that the fracture had occurred through the strap area adjacent to the head of the rod bolt. The fracture surface exhibited characteristics consistent with a fatigue fracture.
What happened in the 2 Jun 1993 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Skagway, AK?
After takeoff from Skagway, the pilot observed decreasing oil pressure, then metallic engine sounds followed by power loss. An emergency landing on a glacier was performed. Investigation revealed a fatigue fracture in the #2 cylinder connecting rod.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Jun 1993 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N8127K, operated by Skagway Air Service, Inc., at Skagway, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AS A RESULT OF A FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE #2 CONNECTING ROD. A FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE EMERGENCY LANDING.
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