ENGLEWOOD, FL, USA
N10187
PIPER PA-28-140
The private pilot stated the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power while in cruise flight. He made a forced landing to a golf course, and the airplane collided with a tree while trying to avoid personnel on the ground. Examination of the engine assembly and accessories by an airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authority revealed, the failure of the number four connecting rod and rod bolts due to extreme heat for undetermined reasons. Bench binocular microscope examination of components sent to the NTSB laboratory revealed damage that was consistent with oil starvation. The cause of the oil starvation was not determined.
On September 3, 1994, about 1130 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N10187, registered to Harry C. Green Jr., operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, experienced a total loss of engine power while in cruise flight. The pilot made a forced landing to a golf course and the airplane collided with a tree while trying to avoid personnel on the ground. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Arcadia, Florida, about 20 minutes before the accident. Examination of the engine assembly and accessories by an airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authority revealed the No. 4 connecting rod and rod bolts failed due to extreme heat for undetermined reasons. The No. 4 connecting rod assembly with detached cap and fragments from the bearing shells; No. 3 connecting rod assembly; and oil pump housing with attached drive and driven gears were forwarded to the NTSB materials laboratory for analysis. Bench binocular microscope examination revealed damage that was consistent with oil starvation. The cause of the oil starvation was not determined. (For additional information see NTSB Metallurgist's Factual Report No. 95-33). The engine logbooks and components retained for further testing were released to Mr. Harry C. Green Jr., registered owner of the airplane.
The failure of the number four connecting rod and rod bolts due to oil starvation (extreme heat) for undetermined reasons, resulting in a total loss of engine power, forced landing, and subsequent in-flight collision with trees and terrain.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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