Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
FAILURE OF THE ENGINE COWLING LATCH RESULTING IN DETERIORATING AIRPLANE PERFORMANCE AND A FORCED LANDING.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On April 8, 1993, at 1610 central daylight time (CDT) a Piper PA-28R-200, N4439T, was substantially damaged during a forced landing at the Midlothian Airport, Midlothian, Texas. The private pilot, also the owner, was not injured during the visual flight rules flight. The flight originated at Midlothian and its destination was Alexandria, Louisiana.
During an interview conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot stated that during his initial climb after takeoff the nose cowling came loose and rotated upwards. After it came loose, the cowling lodged against the windshield, blocking the pilot's visibility and creating a high drag load. He added that the increased drag prevented the pilot from reaching his intended landing site, the departure airport. The pilot reported that he landed hard.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW93LA120