Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the loss of engine power due to the failure of the number one cylinder.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 31, 1994, at 0916 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28, N32736, was destroyed following a complete loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing in a wooded area near Fort Wayne, Indiana. The private pilot reported no injuries, the one passenger reported minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight originated in Huntington, Indiana, on a VFR flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
According to the pilot's statement, he was approximately five miles northeast of Fort Wayne Airport when he heard a loud bang and the airplane then lost all engine power. He immediately made a 180 degree turn in an attempt to make an emergency landing at Fort Wayne Airport. The pilot was unable to maintain enough altitude to safely make it to the runway. The airplane impacted trees and came to rest in a vertical position.
Postaccident examination revealed the number one cylinder head had fractured.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI94LA256