Accident
On April 4, 2015, about 1131 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N5469T, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a reported loss of engine power near the Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) in Santa Maria, California. The airplane was registered and operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The two Airline Transport Pilot-rated occupants sustained minor injuries; the passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight originated from SMX about 1120.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
The pilot reported that during climb out, at about 3,500 feet mean sea level (msl), the engine lost partial power. He turned the airplane back toward the airport. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost all power, and he initiated a forced landing to a nearby clearing. The airplane came to rest upright in a strawberry field about 4 miles southeast of SMX.
Aircraft Examination
Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the wings sustained substantial damage during the forced landing. The airplane was recovered to a secure storage facility for further examination. The National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge found that both wings and the horizontal stabilizers had been previously removed for transport; the engine remained attached to the airframe.
Examination of the Lycoming Motors IO-360-C1C engine showed all accessories and cylinders attached. Two cracks were observed on the upper portion of the engine crankcase near the number two cylinder mounting surface. The crankshaft would not rotate by hand.
Maintenance Findings
An oil quick drain valve was installed on the engine. According to Piper Service Letter number 910, dated December 29, 1980, the letter describes the correct and incorrect oil quick drain valve installations for the PA-28-200 model. The installed valve was consistent with the sketch of the incorrect valve. Airworthiness Directive (AD) 81-11-02 R1 requires two warning placards on the engine mounts cautioning against unapproved oil drain valves; the installed valve part number did not match the approved part number, and no warning placards were observed. The AD states if an incorrect valve is installed, it must be replaced with the approved part.
When the nose gear assembly was actuated to the up-and-locked position, the bolt connecting the nose gear assembly would strike the oil quick drain valve. Impact marks were present on both the valve and the bolt, consistent with contact. Oil residue was observed on the left lower engine cowling and the belly of the airplane. A minimal amount of oil was found in the oil filter and oil sump. No oil residue was observed on or near the crankcase cracks.
Summary of Examination
The postaccident examination of the engine revealed an incorrect oil quick drain valve was installed. No additional anomalies that would preclude normal operation were found in the airframe or engine. An FAA inspector's review of maintenance records indicated the oil quick drain valve was installed on April 2, 2015.