Accident Overview
On 19 May 2022, a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee, registration OB-1795, was involved in an accident near Pisco, Peru. The aircraft came to rest approximately 1.6 km from the threshold of Runway 04 at Capitán FAP Renán Elías Olivera Airport (SPSO) and 50 meters from the Pisco–Paracas highway. The accident occurred during a night instrument flight rules (IFR) training flight authorized by CIAC3 N°028.
Flight and Emergency Sequence
The flight began at approximately 18:35 local time with a student pilot at the controls under the supervision of an instructor pilot. After several instrument approach procedures, the aircraft executed a touch-and-go landing on Runway 02. While climbing through about 2,500 feet towards 3,000 feet, the engine emitted a loud noise accompanied by thin white smoke and a burned smell. The instructor pilot took control and activated carburetor heat, fuel pump, and tank switching, but power continued to decline.
At 20:58 local time, the crew declared an emergency to SPSO tower, reporting a loss of engine power. Unable to return to the airport due to altitude loss, the instructor pilot opted for a forced landing in an obstacle-free area near the Pluspetrol plant. During the final approach, at about 300 feet, the crew switched off systems, opened the door, and prepared for evacuation. The aircraft struck a sand dune, losing its landing gear, and came to a stop. The two occupants evacuated without serious injuries.
Investigation Findings
The accident investigation, conducted by the Peruvian Aviation Accident Investigation Commission (CIAA), determined that the engine failure resulted from a fatigue fracture of the connecting rod journal #1 of the crankshaft. This fracture was caused by surface and microstructural defects combined with progressive loss of lubrication in the bearings, leading to catastrophic engine failure and total loss of power in flight.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the accident was stated as: "Fatigue fracture of the connecting rod journal #1 of the crankshaft, as a consequence of surface and microstructural defects combined with progressive loss of lubrication in the bearings, which caused catastrophic engine failure and total loss of power in flight."