Shortly after takeoff, the Piper PA28’s engine crankshaft expansion plug dislodged, and oil started to cover the windscreen.
The pilot attempted to return to the airport in Fulton, N.Y., however, the airplane touched down more than halfway down the runway. He was unable to stop the airplane and it went off the runway and hit a chain link fence, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, vertical stabilizer, and both wings. The pilot sustained minor injuries in the crash.
The crankshaft expansion plug was installed during maintenance that was performed three days before the accident.
The mechanic who performed the maintenance stated that he installed the crankshaft plug using a ball peen hammer instead of following the procedures outlined by the engine manufacturer, which called for the use of a special tool to properly deform and seat the plug.
The mechanic said that he has used a ball peen hammer in the past to install crankshaft plugs with success, however, in this instance, the plug did not seat properly, dislodged, and allowed oil to exit the end of the crankshaft in flight.
Probable Cause: The mechanic’s improper maintenance, which resulted in the crankshaft expansion plug dislodging in flight and a subsequent forced landing.
To download the final report. Click here. This will trigger a PDF download to your device.
This October 2020 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
First off the aviation community places too much emphasis on an A&P qualification.
Secondly the automotive field has installed untold numbers for decades of that style of plug without a “special tool”.
It’s possible that the plug dimension was slightly off, and there is no way to test for tension after installation.
We’ve got a shortage of competent A&P mechanics, along with pilots, doctors, nurses, Starbuck’s baristas, hotel housekeepers, electricians, and just about every other skilled/semi-skilled technician we can think of.
I guess they’re all staying at home finding ways to support their lifestyles online. Where are we all going to be in 10-15-20-years?
My wife and I went out for an anniversary dinner last week, at the steakhouse in an Indian Casino. Half the dining room was closed and they had a 45-minute wait list. They didn’t have enough servers to open the whole dining room.
The person was not trained properly? Was the person a licensed A&P? Lack of proper tool? Were was the IA? Why was the plug removed? Did it have a leak, or an AD?