Accident Summary
On August 2, 2008, at 1200 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N56064, operated by Pine Ledge Aviation LLC as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with the ground during a forced landing near Richmond Airport (08R) in West Kingston, Rhode Island. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft sustained substantial structural damage to the left wing. The private pilot and three passengers reported no injuries. The flight had departed North Central State Airport (SFZ) in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, at 1030.
Flight Narrative
According to the pilot, while in cruise flight at 3,000 feet in the vicinity of Richmond, Rhode Island, he noted an airframe vibration. He pushed the throttle full forward, which increased manifold pressure and engine rpm, but the vibration intensified. After leaning the mixture, the vibration seemed to decrease, but the airplane would not climb and began to descend. The pilot used his GPS to select the nearest airport, which was 08R, and proceeded there for a precautionary landing. On arrival, he initiated a visual approach to runway 11.
The pilot reported that his attention was diverted to maintaining as much engine power as possible. Realizing he was high and fast, he made a go-around. He remained in left closed traffic, looking for suitable forced landing areas. On final approach, he decided to abort again, citing a very hot day with high density altitude and a short runway. Increasing power and leaning the mixture resulted in an alarming decrease in airspeed. After gaining some altitude, he observed an open sod field and decided to land there.
On reaching the end of a tree line, the pilot saw what appeared to be a dirt road in the sod field. He continued toward the field and decided to execute a gear-up landing. He cut the throttle, lowered flaps between 10 to 20 degrees, and initiated the approach. The pilot stated he failed to latch the automatic gear lever in the override position to prevent gear extension when reducing power during the flare. The gear extender warning horn sounded and warning lights illuminated, but he ignored them to concentrate on landing. The airplane collided with the ground, skidded about 100 feet, made a left turn, and came to a stop.
Airport Conditions
Richmond Airport (08R) has an elevation of 130 feet. Runway 11 is 2,129 feet long and 30 feet wide. At the time of the accident, the temperature was 30 degrees Celsius, resulting in a density altitude of 1,960 feet. According to the Piper PA-28R-200 Pilot's Operating Handbook, the landing distance required at that density altitude is 795 feet.
Aircraft Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the engine. The No. 1 cylinder exhaust valve pushrod opened only 0.125 inch. The No. 1 cylinder spark plugs had heavy carbon buildup, indicating a rich mixture. The cylinder exhaust valve and seat, exhaust valve pushrods, and exhaust valve hydraulic lifters were bore scoped with no anomalies noted. An engine compression check confirmed compression and suction on all cylinders. The propeller rotated by hand, and continuity of the valve and drive train was confirmed. The left magneto exhibited worn rotor and distributor, while the right magneto had new components. The engine air filter showed a smoky carbon/oil residue. The FAA inspector noted that, in their opinion, the most probable cause for the engine running rough and airframe vibration was the No. 1 cylinder not performing as expected due to the heavy carbon buildup and exhaust valve displacement of only 0.125 inch.