What happened
On June 1, 2025, at approximately 11:30 EDT, a Piper PA32-300, registration N2242Z, was involved in an accident near Montauk, New York. The aircraft departed Bridgeport/Sikorsky Airport (BDR) in Connecticut at 11:14 EDT, en route to Block Island State Airport (BID) in Rhode Island.
While cruising at 3,000 feet MSL over Long Island Sound, the pilot reported a popping noise similar to a backfire, followed by a significant loss of engine thrust. The pilot observed the RPM gauge drop to zero, though the propeller continued to rotate. The pilot declared a MAYDAY and prepared for a forced landing in the water. The aircraft landed in the water, and the pilot and passenger were not injured.
The investigation
The wreckage of the aircraft was recovered from the water. The investigation of the engine revealed that the crankshaft gear bolt was approximately 1/8th of an engine inch from its seated position. While the safety lock plate washer was present, its tabs were bent, and the bolt head was rounded. Upon removal of the bolt, damage was found on the bottom threads.
Further examination showed that the alignment dowel of the crankshaft gear had sheared. Additionally, four teeth from the oil adapter idler gear were found inside the oil sump. No other mechanical deficiencies were identified during the inspection of the engine, and the rocker box covers showed no anomalies.