Piper PA-J3C N3445K

Summary

On 31 July 1996 at about 00:21 local time, a Piper PA-J3C registered N3445K was involved in an accident near Camp Lake, Wisconsin, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

31 July 1996 at 00:21

Classification

Accident

Location

Camp Lake, Wisconsin, United States

Nearest airport

Camp Lake (49C)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Piper PA-J3C

Registration

N3445K

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Unknown

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CHI96LA262

1 person had minor injuries.

seizure of the number 2 piston. Inadequate maintenance was a related factor.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the number two cylinder and piston had just been replaced on the engine. He preflighted the aircraft, then did a twenty minute engine run-up. He then departed for a test flight around the airport. During the climb, the engine began to 'slow down,' so the pilot started a turn back to the airport. While he was in the turn, the engine seized. The pilot reported that due to lack of altitude, he was unable to reach a clear area, and he was forced to land in trees. Examination of the engine revealed that the number two piston had seized in the cylinder. The number 2 cylinder's bore was reported to be 0.007 inch over standard, and the piston was 0.015 inch oversize. The piston was galled as a result of the engine seizure. The cylinder and piston, which were used for repair, were used parts. The mechanic who had installed the parts reported that adequate clearances had existed.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.