Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE ENGINE FAILURE AS A RESULT OF A MAIN BEARING SHIFT AND RESTRICTED LUBRICATION, AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On Tuesday, March 15, 1994 at 1715 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28RT-201T, N8335X, registered to and piloted by Lee Taylor, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in Wardfordsburg, Pennsylvania. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and IFR flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
The pilot stated in his report:
At approximately 30 to 35 minutes into the flight I noticed the engine oil pressure gauge fluctuating....I asked Cleveland Center ...for vectors to the nearest airport...the oil pressure went to "0" and the...annunciator light illuminated....I...selected a farm field for an emergency landing. The ground was snow covered...Upon landing the landing gear sheared ...
Mr. Jeffrey D. Halliday, an Air Safety Inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration, examined the engine on March 29, 1994. In his report, Mr. Halliday stated:
Inspection of the engine revealed one of the connecting rods had failed and was protruding from the case near the number two cylinder.
...a review of the aircraft records was satisfactory.
The failure of this engine was caused by #2 bearing shifting and shutting off oil to the #2 and #3 connecting rods.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC94LA058