What happened
On July 16, 2015, a Piper PA28R-201 was conducting a flight training mission as part of an integrated ATPL(A) training program. The crew, consisting of a student pilot and an instructor, was performing an ILS approach to runway 25 at Lublin Airport (E/PLB) under Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC).
At approximately 18:24 UTC, the pilot noticed unusual and loud engine noise. In response to this abnormality, the pilot decided to execute a precautionary landing. The crew notified Lublin Tower of their intention to land and requested assistance from the Airport Fire Service. The aircraft landed safely at 18:28 UTC, vacated the runway, and taxied to the parking apron.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanical state of the aircraft following the event. Mechanics from the Rzeszów University of Technology Flight Training Organization (OKL) were dispatched to the airport the following day. Upon inspection, the mechanics identified a crack in the exhaust manifold of cylinder number 3. The manifold was replaced on-site, and a ground engine run was performed, which confirmed that the engine was operating correctly. Following the repair, the crew completed a return flight to their base at EPRJ without further issues.
Findings
- The primary cause of the unusual engine noise was a crack in the exhaust manifold of cylinder number 3.
- Atmospheric conditions at the time of the incident had no impact on the occurrence.