Piper PA-24-250 N6677P

Summary

On 13 August 2005 at about 16:30 local time, a Piper PA-24-250 registered N6677P was involved in an accident near Challis, Idaho, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 were seriously injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

13 August 2005 at 16:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Challis, Idaho, United States

Nearest airport

Challis (U15)

Coordinates

44.5231, -114.2175

Aircraft

Piper PA-24-250

Registration

N6677P

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Challis → MacKay

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

SEA05LA170

2 people were seriously injured.

The installation of an improper oil gasket by maintenance personnel, which resulted in a loss of engine oil and subsequent loss of engine power during the emergency descent.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, the propeller RPM became erratic and uncontrollable and he elected to return to the airport. He reported that during the descent, the airplane developed a rough running engine and eventually lost power resulting in an off airport landing. Preliminary external examination of the assembly revealed a large hole in the engines crankcase, adjacent to the number four cylinder assembly. The number four piston rod was fractured and extensive heat distress, deformation and discoloration was noted to both the number three and number four piston assemblies. A representative from Textron Lycoming reported that this type of damage is indicative of oil depravation. Further examination of the engine assembly revealed that the hydraulic pump adapter pad cover gasket was protruding from between the accessory mounting pad and its associated cover. A section of the gasket separated and was displaced from its installed position. The FAA Airworthiness Inspector overseeing the examination reported that the installed gasket was intended to be used in conjunction with a hydraulic pump, if applicable, however, this particular engine configuration does not utilize a hydraulic pump, and therefore a hydraulic pump adapter pad gasket should have been installed. Personnel at the Challis airport reported that a large puddle of oil was found in the run-up area following the airplane's pre takeoff run-up and departure.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.