On May 28, 1997, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N491SC) was involved in an aviation accident near Greeley, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: unlatching of the left outboard engine cowling latches for undetermined reason(s), which allowed the left engine cowling to separate inflight and strike the vertical stabilizer. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During cruise, the left engine cowling began to loosen and separated, striking the vertical stabilizer. Postaccident inspection revealed outboard latches were unlocked, while inboard latches were locked.
Incident Description
The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, he observed the left front portion of the left engine cowling starting to come loose. After receiving clearance from air traffic control, he initiated a diversion to the nearest suitable airport. Shortly thereafter, the left cowling completely separated from the aircraft and struck the vertical stabilizer.
Postaccident Inspection
Postaccident inspection disclosed that the outboard cowling latches were in the unlocked position, while the inboard latches were in the locked position. A portion of the cowling remained attached via the inboard latches. The pilot stated that he checked the cowling latches during his preflight inspection and they were all in the locked position. Orange stripes had been painted across the latches to visually indicate locked and unlocked positions.
What happened in the 28 May 1997 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Greeley, CO?
During cruise, the left engine cowling began to loosen and separated, striking the vertical stabilizer. Postaccident inspection revealed outboard latches were unlocked, while inboard latches were locked.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 May 1997 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N491SC, at Greeley, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
unlatching of the left outboard engine cowling latches for undetermined reason(s), which allowed the left engine cowling to separate inflight and strike the vertical stabilizer.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…