# NTSB CHI87DER04: Piper PA-32-260, N56721, Pine Center, MN, April 10, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: April 10, 1987, 00:15 local (05:15 UTC)
- Place: Pine Center, MN
- Coordinates: 46.349929, -94.189834 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.3499&lon=-94.1898&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 11, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13585
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI87DER04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13585/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87DER04

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - lubricating system,oil pressure pump - failure,total (cause)
  - emergency procedure - initiated, pilot in command
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)

## Analysis

AFTER NOTICING A LOSS IN OIL PRESSURE, THE PILOT INITIATED AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A SWAMP. THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED TREES AND RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE PILOT REPORTED MINOR INJURIES. SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE OIL SUMP CONTAINED SEVERAL METAL PIECES, SHAVINGS OF BEARING MATERIAL, THE HEAD PORTION OF A CONNECTING ROD BOLT, AND A SECTION OF THE OIL PUMP COUPLING TO THE AFT CRANKSHAFT GEAR. ONE OF THE TEETH ON THE IMPELLER OF THE OIL PUMP WAS FOUND TO HAVE COMPLETELY SEPARATED AND WEDGED BETWEEN THE IMPELLER AND THE OIL PUMP HOUSING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N56721](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N56721-2013-06-27), registration cancelled 2013-06-27, S/N 32-7400006, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32-260
- Registry model: [Piper PA-32-260](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32-260) (registry code 7103206) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 327400006
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Larry M. Hetrick
- Registered owner: Ronald Bode
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 8, 1987, 51 hours before
- Departed: STP, SAINT PAUL, MN
- Destination: PKD, PARK RAPIDS, MN
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 644 total, 18 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 250° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 41 °F, dew point 37 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: AXN, 62 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 19870410008919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870410008919A), Apr 10, 1987: Piper PA32260, Pine Center, MN, Substantial damage. Lost engine oil pressure. Impacted trees in a swamp during an emergency landing. Found a faulty oil pump.

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.

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