On August 26, 1996, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N7133C) was involved in an aviation accident near Medford, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation. Factors relating to the accident were: failure of the (primary) vacuum system and a restriction in the (standby) vacuum system. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported vacuum system failure in IMC, requested lower altitude to find VMC, but could not. The airplane departed controlled flight and impacted terrain. Investigation found an inoperative primary vacuum pump with fractured rotor and vanes, and a standby system blocked by sealing material.
Incident Overview
While operating in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), the pilot informed approach control that the airplane's vacuum system had failed. The pilot requested a lower altitude in an attempt to descend into visual meteorological conditions (VMC) but reported being unable to locate visual conditions. Subsequently, the airplane departed controlled flight and impacted the terrain.
Vacuum System Examination
Post-impact examination revealed that the primary vacuum pump was inoperative. The pump's rotor and vanes exhibited fractures. The standby vacuum system was found incapable of operation due to a restriction caused by the migration of sealing material or a gasket, which blocked a hole drilled for the installation and operation of the standby system.
Findings
The primary vacuum pump had fractured rotor and vanes, rendering it inoperative.
The standby system was obstructed by sealing material or a gasket, preventing its use.
The pilot's attempt to find VMC by descending was unsuccessful.
The airplane lost controlled flight and struck the ground.
What happened in the 26 Aug 1996 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Medford, MN?
A pilot reported vacuum system failure in IMC, requested lower altitude to find VMC, but could not. The airplane departed controlled flight and impacted terrain. Investigation found an inoperative primary vacuum pump with fractured rotor and vanes, and a standby system blocked by sealing material.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Aug 1996 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N7133C, at Medford, MN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the pilot to maintain control of the airplane, due to spatial disorientation. Factors relating to the accident were: failure of the (primary) vacuum system and a restriction in the (standby) vacuum system.
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