Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX84FA049

HELENDALE, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N9774Q

PIPER 601P

Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING CRUISE FLIGHT THE RIGHT ENGINE MANIFOLD PRESSURE FELL TO ZERO. THE ENGINE WAS FEATHERED AND SET UP FOR SINGLE ENGINE PERFORMANCE BUT THE ACFT CONTINUED TO DESCEND. SUITABLE AIRPORTS WERE FLOWN OVER DURING THE DESCENT AND THE ACFT FINALLY LANDED IN AN ALFALFA FIELD. EXAMIATION OF THE RIGHT ENGINE REVEALED SEVERE FIRE DAMAGE TO THE IGNITION WIRING HARNESS AND BOTH MAGNETO 'P' LEADS SHORTED. AN OIL VENT HOSE ROUTED ON THE OUTBOARD SIDE OF THE INBOARD TURBOCHARGER ALSO DISPLAYED SEVERE HEAT DAMAGE. THE OUTER LAYER OF A HEAT SHIELD ATTACHED TO THE TURBOCHARGER WAS FOUND TORN OPEN AND THE HEAT RESISTANT MATERIAL WAS PUSHED ASIDE OR MISSING FROM AN AREA APPROX ONE INCH SQUARE. THERIGHT ENGINE AND OVERHAULED TURBOCHARGERS HAD BEEN INSTALLED APPROX 9 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT ACCORDING TO THE HOBBS METER.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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