Accident Overview
On June 9, 2017, at approximately 1505 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32R-301T (registration N782SW) experienced a loss of engine power while in cruise flight. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a field about five miles west of Dalhart Municipal Airport (DHT) in Dalhart, Texas. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot was uninjured, and the passenger sustained minor injuries.
Flight Details
The flight was operated by the pilot under 14 Code of Federal Regulations as a personal flight on a visual flight rules flight plan. It originated from Dalhart Municipal Airport at about 1456 and was destined for Angel Fire Airport (AXX) in Angel Fire, New Mexico.
Engine Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector reported that during cruise flight, the engine's forward main seal (crankshaft seal) began to leak engine oil. The engine lost power shortly thereafter. A post-accident photo of the seal revealed that the bottom half of the seal had slipped forward from its placement. The exterior of the aircraft was covered with engine oil.
The airplane was powered by a Lycoming TIO-540-S1AD engine, serial number L-7309-61A.
Maintenance History
An engine logbook entry dated November 14, 2016, at a tachometer time/total time of 5,995.01 hours, documented the installation of an "oversized" front crankshaft seal, part number LW-15628P50. The next logbook entry was dated March 6, 2017, at a tachometer/total time of 5,998.0 hours, indicating an annual inspection performed by the same mechanic who installed the crankshaft seal. At the time of the accident, the aircraft had accumulated approximately 22 hours since the seal replacement, with a total time of 6,016.8 hours.
Additional Notes
A National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Accident/Incident Report was not received from the pilot.