Accident Overview
On April 3, 2019, about 1000 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200 airplane, registration N41AT, sustained minor damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Prairieville, Louisiana. The pilot, who was the sole occupant and owner-operator, was seriously injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight in day visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) at about 0950 and was destined for Louisiana Regional Airport (REG) in Gonzales, Louisiana.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that he had taken delivery of the airplane after its annual inspection was completed. Approximately five minutes after takeoff, the engine began to run rough and almost immediately seized. He attempted a forced landing on an interstate highway. During the final approach, the airplane struck a semi-tractor trailer, then contacted the ground adjacent to the highway and impacted a tree.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector conducted a postaccident examination. The examination determined that the engine oil drain valve was damaged, which had resulted in a loss of engine oil. The damage to the valve was consistent with contact from the nose landing gear during retraction. Further investigation revealed that the installed drain valve did not meet the airframe manufacturer's specifications. The installed valve protruded about 1-1/8 inches from the engine, whereas the manufacturer-specified valve protruded about 1/2 inch. Additionally, the required warning placard related to the oil valve installation was not present on the engine mount.
Maintenance History
A review of the airplane's maintenance records showed that an annual inspection had been completed the day before the accident. The maintenance entry noted that the oil valve had "stuck open" during an oil change and that a new valve was installed. The entry also stated that "clearance with landing gear [was] verified during retract tests."
Service Information
In December 1980, Piper Aircraft issued Service Letter No. 910, which notified owner/operators of the installation of incorrect oil drain valves on PA-28R-200 airplanes. The service letter specifically noted the possibility of damage to the valve during nose landing gear retraction and a subsequent loss of engine oil during flight. It recommended inspection of the drain valve to ensure the correct valve was installed and replacement of any incorrectly installed valves. Additionally, the service letter called for installation of warning placards on each side of the engine mount near the drain valve to alert maintenance personnel.
Airworthiness Directive
In October 1981, the FAA issued Airworthiness Directive 81-11-02 R1, which required inspection of engine oil drain valves and installation of warning placards as specified in the previously issued service letter.
Service Manual
The current airplane service manual, revised January 2008, included a cautionary note regarding the engine oil drain valve. The manual advised personnel to verify that the correct valve was installed and warned that installation of an incorrect valve could damage the oil sump or the drain valve. It noted the possibility of a loss of engine oil and engine seizure in such instances. The manual also included the warning placard as part of the engine installation diagram.