DENTON, TX, USA
N107EH
PIPER PA-28-140
DURING INITIAL CLIMB THE ENGINE LOST POWER TO BETWEEN 1500 RPM AND 1800 RPM. SAFETY BOARD INVESTIGATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THE NUMBERS TWO AND FOUR TOP SPARK PLUGS SHOWED LEAD FOULING. THE WIRING HARNESS PLUG LEAD WAS LOOSE ON THE NUMBER THREE BOTTOM PLUG. THE RIGHT EXHAUST PIPE WAS CORRODED AND DETERIORATED AND SHOWED EVIDENCE OF LEAKAGE IN THE AREA OF CONNECTION TO THE MUFFLER. BURNT AREAS ON THE NUMBER ONE CYLINDER FINS AROUND THE EXHAUST GASKET SHOWED EVIDENCE OF LEAKAGE. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER/PILOT, THE AIRPLANE LAST RECEIVED AN ANNUAL INSPECTION THREE MONTHS AND 73 HOURS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. DURING THE FORCED LANDING ROLL THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A FENCE AND CAME TO REST IN A DITCH.
FOULED SPARK PLUGS, LOOSE SPARK PLUG IGNITION LEAD, EXHAUST LEAK, AND CYLINDER LEAK. FACTORS WERE AN INADEQUATE ANNUAL INSPECTION, POOR MAINTENANCE, AND OPERATION BY THE PILOT WITH KNOWN MECHANICAL DEFICIENCIES.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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