ST.AUGUSTINE, FL, USA
N8495P
PIPER PA-24-400
A FORCED LDG WAS MADE AFTER THE ENG FAILED WHILE CRUISING AT 8000 FT. AN EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED THAT THE TOP OF THE CRANKCASE WAS CRACKED & A HOLE WAS IN THE TOP OF THE CASE AT THE NO. 2 CYLINDER. THE BOTTOM OF THE CAP OF THE NO. 2 CONNECTING ROD HAD BROKEN OFF & THE ROD WAS PROTRUDING THROUGH THE HOLE IN THE CASE. WHEN THE ROD FAILED, ENG OIL SPRAYED OVER THE WINDSHIELD OBSCURING THE PLT'S FORWARD VISION. THE ACFT WAS A 1964 MODEL & ACCORDING TO RECORDS, THE ENG HAD NEVER BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ACFT OR OVERHAULED DURING THE 22 YEAR PERIOD SINCE NEW. TOTAL TIME ON THE ACFT AND ENG WAS 1446 HOURS. THE OWNER/PLT STATED THAT HE FELT THE ENG SHOULD HAVE 'GOTTEN 1600 HRS OR MORE, INSTEAD OF 1446' BEFORE ANY FAILURE.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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