SAN MATEO, CA, USA
N9097P
PIPER PA-24-260
WHILE OVER THE OCEAN, THE PILOT NOTED THAT THE ENGINE DID NOT SOUND RIGHT AND THAT THE OIL PRESSURE INDICATION HAD DROPPED TO ZERO. SHORTLY AFTERWARD, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY AND SEIZED. THE PILOT PLANNED FOR A FORCED LANDING TO AN OPEN FIELD BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC ON HIGHWAYS. THE PILOT ELECTED TO MAKE AN INTENTIONAL WHEELS-UP LANDING ON UPSLOPING TERRAIN, RESULTING IN A HARD LANDING. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE DISCLOSED ABOUT 2 HANDFULS OF METAL FLAKES IN THE OIL SUMP WITH THE OIL PUMP PICKUP SCREEN CLOGGED BY METAL FLAKES. THERE WERE NO METAL FLAKES IN THE ENGINE OIL FILTER. THE NO 6 CONNECTING ROD HAD FAILED AND PENETRATED THE ENGINE CASE. THE EVIDENCE INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILURE WAS INITIATED BY THE FAILURE OF A CONNECTING ROD BEARING. THE ENGINE HAD BEEN OPERATED 23 HOURS SINCE THE MOST RECENT ANNUAL INSPECTION.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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