On June 15, 2005, a Piper PA-25-260 (registration N4754Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Southampton, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A lack of lubrication for undetermined reasons which resulted in the failure of the Nos. 4 and 5 connecting rods, and a subsequent total loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the furrowed cornfield. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft applying fungicide over a cranberry bog suffered a loud bang and total engine power loss. The pilot dumped the load, cleared trees, and landed in a furrowed cornfield, resulting in substantial damage. Engine exam revealed galling indicative of lubrication issues, but no mechanical malfunction was found.
Incident Overview
During a fungicide application flight over a cranberry bog, the aircraft passed over a road at an altitude of 800 feet MSL. The pilot reported hearing a "loud bang," immediately followed by a complete loss of engine power. The pilot maneuvered the aircraft for a forced landing, dumping the fungicide load and clearing some trees before touching down in a furrowed cornfield. The aircraft sustained substantial damage in the landing.
Engine Examination
Post-incident inspection of the engine revealed internal damage, including galling of a bearing and the crankshaft bearing surface. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the galling was indicative of a "lack of lubrication." However, the inspector reported no mechanical malfunction, leak, or blockage of the lubrication system.