Accident Overview
At about 1500 central daylight time on September 9, 2012, a Piper PA-28RT-201 single-engine airplane, N2878V, sustained substantial damage when it ditched into a lake near Gilmer, Texas, after a partial loss of engine power. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.
Flight and Pilot Information
The airplane, registered to AirLease Nevada, LLC, was operated by the student pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional solo flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Fox Stephens Field (JXI) in Gilmer, Texas, at 1400.
Pilot Account
The student pilot reported practicing basic flight maneuvers in preparation for a private pilot check ride. While turning at a 20-degree bank at 1,500 feet above ground level, the engine backfired and partially lost power. Attempts to regain engine power were unsuccessful. Unable to maintain altitude and faced with tree-covered terrain, the pilot elected to ditch the airplane into a lake. The airplane landed in the water and sank. The pilot egressed and was rescued by nearby boaters.
Maintenance History
Review of maintenance records indicated that the Lycoming IO-360-C1C6 engine (serial number RL 28998-51A) received its most recent annual inspection on October 11, 2011, at a total time of 1,011.7 hours since major overhaul. No abnormal engine discrepancies were noted at that time. At the accident, the engine had accumulated 1,043.2 hours since major overhaul.
Post-Accident Engine Examination
On January 30, 2013, the engine was examined by the NTSB investigator-in-charge and a Lycoming representative. Rotating the crankshaft by hand revealed that the No. 3 cylinder had little to no compression. The No. 3 cylinder was removed, revealing excessive exhaust blow-by on the piston and seized piston rings in the ring lands. The No. 3 fuel injector nozzle was partially blocked with debris. Magnetos and spark plugs were functionally tested and showed no anomalies. The intake box to fuel control air hose displayed black discoloration, consistent with engine backfire. The cockpit mixture control lever was found in the mid-range position.