On December 28, 1994, a Piper PA-32-260 (registration N33456) was involved in an aviation accident near Plant City, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine cowling latch penetrated the oil cooler, resulting in total exhaustion of engine oil, engine failure, and forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a loose engine cowling, then diverted. Witnesses saw something streaming from the airplane before it collided with trees. Inspection showed the cowling latch penetrated the oil cooler, causing oil loss and engine failure.
Incident Overview
A pilot informed air traffic control (ATC) that the airplane had a loose engine cowling and intended to proceed directly to the destination airport. However, radar tracking showed the airplane diverting to an alternate airport.
Witness Observations
Another pilot observed the airplane on final approach with something streaming from it. The airplane then terminated its approach to the south, resembling a simulated forced landing. A separate witness saw the airplane descending until it collided with trees and terrain.
Post-Crash Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the engine cowling latch had penetrated the oil cooler. This penetration led to a complete loss of engine oil, resulting in engine failure and a subsequent forced landing.
Probable cause
The engine cowling latch penetrated the oil cooler, resulting in total exhaustion of engine oil, engine failure, and forced landing.
What happened in the 28 Dec 1994 Piper PA-32-260 accident near Plant City, FL?
A pilot reported a loose engine cowling, then diverted. Witnesses saw something streaming from the airplane before it collided with trees. Inspection showed the cowling latch penetrated the oil cooler, causing oil loss and engine failure.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Dec 1994 involved a Piper PA-32-260, registration N33456, at Plant City, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine cowling latch penetrated the oil cooler, resulting in total exhaustion of engine oil, engine failure, and forced landing.
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