# NTSB ATL96LA014: Piper PA-22, N5057Z, Durham, NC, November 20, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 20, 1995, 16:40 local (21:40 UTC) - Place: Durham, NC - Coordinates: 36.09996, -78.899185 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.1000&lon=-78.8992&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious - Status: Completed, report July 11, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 3673 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL96LA014 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3673/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL96LA014 ## Probable cause The aircraft mechanic's failure to follow engine overhaul procedures which resulted in the failure of the camshaft drive gear. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - initial climb - engine assembly,gear - not safetied (cause) - maintenance,overhaul,major - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency) - object - tree(s) ## Analysis Shortly after liftoff from the sod airstrip, the pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power. During the attempted forced landing the airplane collided with trees. Examination of the engine assembly revealed that the camshaft drive gear retention bolt lockplate tabs were not bent into position to secure the bolt. A review of the aircraft maintenance records showed that the engine had been overhauled one flight hour before the accident. ## Factual narrative On November 20, 1995, at 1640 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-22, N5057Z, collided with trees while attempting an emergency landing near Lake Ridge Airpark in Durham, North Carolina. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage; the commercial pilot received serious injuries. The accident occurred during the initial takeoff attempt from Durham. The pilot stated that he completed the preflight inspection and an engine runup, and no engine problems were noted; the pilot taxied to runway 14 for the takeoff. As the airplane climbed through 350 feet, the pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power. According to an eyewitness, the airplane developed an engine problem shortly after takeoff. The pilot selected a forced landing area and attempted a landing. During the engine examination, there was no engine continuity from the crankshaft through to the tachometer shaft. The teardown examination of the accessory section disclosed that there were no bolts securing the camshaft drive gear to the camshaft. The examination of the gear assembly revealed that the lockplate lock tabs had not been bent around the bolt head. A review of the aircraft maintenance records disclosed that the engine had been overhauled by a local mechanic one flight hour before the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5057Z](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5057Z-1997-08-22), registration cancelled 1997-08-22, S/N 229001 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Piper PA-22 - Registry model: [Piper PA-22-108](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-22-108) (registry code 7102204) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 22-4001 - Airframe hours: 2300 - Engines: Lycoming O-290-D2 135 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Paul W. Hesse - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, November 16, 1995, 1 hours before - Departed: W65 - Airport: W65, Lake Ridge Airpark, runway 14, 3,200 × 100 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 44; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,427 total, 1,200 in this make and model, 2,300 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 210° at 7 knots - Visibility: 15 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 39 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: RDU, 20 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19951120037829A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951120037829A), Nov 20, 1995: Piper PA22108, Durham, NC, Substantial damage. Lost power on climbout. Struck trees. Recent overhaul. Lockplate lock tabs on camshaft gear not bent. Bolts came off ## Other investigations on N5057Z (1) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB CHI67D0073](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI67D0073), Jul 4, 1966: Piper PA-22 (N5057Z), Patoka, IL, substantial damage From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.