What happened
On February 18, 2022, a Piper PA 28-161, registration HK4856, was conducting a solo training flight from Barranquilla to Santa Marta. Shortly after departing from runway 05 at Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport, the student pilot experienced a sudden engine malfunction near the Pumarejo Bridge. The pilot reported hearing an explosion and observed oil spraying onto the cockpit windshield.
After notifying air traffic control of the emergency, the pilot initially attempted to return to the airport for an emergency landing on runway 23. However, due to the loss of power, the pilot determined the aircraft could not reach the runway and instead attempted an emergency landing in an unprepared field. During the approach, the right wing of the aircraft struck a palm tree, causing the pilot to lose control. The aircraft subsequently crashed into the ground approximately 912 meters from the airport runway. The student pilot was evacuated with serious injuries and received medical treatment.
The investigation
The GRIAA investigation focused on the mechanical integrity of the Lycoming 0-320-D3G engine and the maintenance history of the aircraft. Investigators examined the engine components, including the crankshaft, connecting rods, and the lubrication system. The analysis included a visual inspection and disassembly of the engine to identify the source of the sudden power loss.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an impact with the terrain during an emergency landing attempt, triggered by a total engine failure.
- The engine failure was caused by the complete fracture of a connecting rod.
- The fracture originated from material failure on the crankshaft journal surface, where erosion caused an obstruction in the lubrication system.
- This obstruction increased friction and temperature within the engine, eventually weakening the material's structural integrity.
- Maintenance processes failed to detect the internal engine damage during scheduled inspections, specifically regarding oil filter analysis or oil condition monitoring.
- Deficiencies were noted in the flight school's Safety Management System (SMS), particularly regarding risk management and the relationship between maintenance and operational processes.