Casualties unknown

Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss Due to Missing Crankshaft Gear Retaining Bolt (N6315P)

Winamac, IN, US

On July 2, 2003, a Piper PA-24 (registration N6315P) was involved in an aviation accident near Winamac, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power due to the improper installation of the crankshaft gear due to the omission of the retaining bolt and subsequent shear failure of the anti-rotation pin. The unsuitable terrain encountered, and the rough field were factors. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane sustained damage during a forced landing in a plowed field after losing engine power. Examination found a missing crankshaft gear retaining bolt and a sheared anti-rotation pin.

Incident Overview

During cruise flight, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power, necessitating a forced landing in a rough plowed field. The aircraft sustained damage during the landing.

Engine Examination

Post-incident examination of the engine revealed that the crankshaft gear retaining bolt was missing. Additionally, the gear's anti-rotation pin was found to be sheared. Inspection of the oil pan did not yield the missing bolt, and no retaining bolt was located within the engine.

Maintenance Records Review

A review of the maintenance records indicated that the engine was last overhauled on April 6, 1986. Since that overhaul, the engine had accumulated 522 hours of time in service. No subsequent logbook entries were found that documented any removal of the crankshaft gear or its retaining bolt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030703X01018. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.