Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing of Piper PA-32R-301 in North West Province

Casualties unknown • Phephane farm, close to Morokweng, in the North West Province., ZA

A private flight from the Northern Cape ended in an emergency landing in a bushy field following a catastrophic engine failure caused by oil starvation.

What happened

On 9 January 2019, a Piper PA-32R-301, registration ZS-SNU, departed from a farm in the Northern Cape, heading toward Wonderboom Aerodrome in Gauteng. Approximately one hour into the flight, the pilot noticed unusual noises and intense vibrations coming from the engine, which was followed by white smoke and a total loss of power.

In response to the engine failure, the pilot executed a forced landing in an open field on the Phephane farm, near Morokeweng. During the descent, the aircraft struck several small bushes, causing damage to the wings, fuselage, and tail. The pilot had deployed the landing gear, which subsequently dug into soft sand, causing the gear to break off. The aircraft then skidded on its underbelly for a short distance before coming to a halt. The pilot and his dog escaped the incident without injury, though the aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller, landing gear, and airframe.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the engine and the maintenance history of the aircraft. An inspection of the Lycoming IO-540-K1G5D engine revealed that the #4 and #5 connecting rod bearings had failed, and the main bearings showed signs of impending failure. Notably, investigators found that the oil coolers and hoses were empty of oil, though some oil remained in the Constant Speed Unit.

Regarding maintenance, the investigation reviewed the adherence to Lycoming Service Bulletin 480, which mandates specific intervals for oil changes. Records indicated that the engine's oil change intervals were not being strictly maintained according to the required four-month or 50-hour schedule. Additionally, while there was no evidence that specific Lycomng Service Bulletins regarding connecting rod bushings were applied, the parts used in the overhaul were confirmed to be correct.

Findings

  • The engine suffered a catastrophic failure during cruise flight due to oil starvation, which led to the failure of the connecting rod bearings.
  • There was no evidence in the flight logs that the required oil change schedule was being followed.
  • The pilot did not maintain a record of engine oil uplifts in the flight folio, which could have helped monitor potential high oil consumption.
  • The pilot successfully utilized the Artex 1000 ELT to signal his location, allowing for his eventual rescue by a local helicopter operator.

Probable cause

The engine failed during cruise flight because the connecting rod bearings failed due to a lack of oil lubrication, resulting in an unsuccessful forced landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2019-01-09 Piper PA-32R-301 accident near Phephane farm, close to Morokweng, in the North West Province., ZA?

A private flight from the Northern Cape ended in an emergency landing in a bushy field following a catastrophic engine failure caused by oil starvation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2019-01-09 involved a Piper PA-32R-301, registration ZS-SNU, at Phephane farm, close to Morokweng, in the North West Province., ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failed during cruise flight because the connecting rod bearings failed due to a lack of oil lubrication, resulting in an unsuccessful forced landing.

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