On June 1, 1996, a Piper PA-32R (registration N8186G) operated by Philip R. Courter was involved in an aviation accident near Williamstown, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadequate maintenance, which resulted in a failure of the magneto housing hold-down flange, a disconnect of the magneto from the engine, and loss of engine power. The obstruction (fence post) in the emergency landing area was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a loud pop and power loss during cruise at 2500 feet. During forced landing, the aircraft struck a fence post, resulting in wing separation and gear collapse. Post-accident inspection revealed magneto disconnection and missing hardware.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that while in cruise flight at an altitude of 2500 feet, shortly after passing the Cedar Lake VOR, a loud pop was heard from the engine compartment accompanied by an immediate loss of power. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing. During the landing, the aircraft struck a large fence post, which caused the right wing to separate from the aircraft. The aircraft then rotated 90 degrees and the landing gear collapsed.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the aircraft revealed that the magneto had become disconnected from the accessory gear box. Further inspection disclosed that the upper magneto hold-down stud was intact and the associated hardware—consisting of the nut, washer, lock washer, and hold-down clip—were installed. However, the same hardware for the lower hold-down stud was missing. Additionally, a significant section of the magneto housing hold-down flange was found to be fractured.
What happened in the 1 Jun 1996 Piper PA-32R accident near Williamstown, NJ?
A pilot reported a loud pop and power loss during cruise at 2500 feet. During forced landing, the aircraft struck a fence post, resulting in wing separation and gear collapse. Post-accident inspection revealed magneto disconnection and missing hardware.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Jun 1996 involved a Piper PA-32R, registration N8186G, operated by Philip R. Courter, at Williamstown, NJ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
inadequate maintenance, which resulted in a failure of the magneto housing hold-down flange, a disconnect of the magneto from the engine, and loss of engine power. The obstruction (fence post) in the emergency landing area was a related factor.
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