# NTSB CHI88DER01: Piper PA-22, N77PL, Mcgrath, MN, November 13, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: November 13, 1987, 10:10 local (16:10 UTC)
- Place: Mcgrath, MN
- Coordinates: 46.240695, -93.270706 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.2407&lon=-93.2707&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13886
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI88DER01
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13886/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88DER01

## 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, cruise - normal
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

DURING A SOLO CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED A POWER LOSS DUE TO FAILURE OF THE #3 CONNECTING ROD. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE STUDENT PILOT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN A SWAMP AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS DAMAGED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N77PL](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N77PL), registered now, S/N 225793, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-22
- Registry model: [Piper PA-20](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-20) (registry code 7102002) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O-320-A1A](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-320-a1a) (registry code 42098, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 22-5793
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-B2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ken M. Prachar
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 25, 1987, 73 hours before
- Departed: 218, MOOSE LAKE, MN
- Destination: 7Y5, BATTLE LAKE, MN
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 100 total, 70 in this make and model, 70 as pilot in command, 26 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 43 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BRD, 30 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 19871113069819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871113069819A), Nov 13, 1987: Piper PA22160, Mcgrath, MN, Substantial damage. Engine failed at cruise altitude. Forced landing in a swamp. Connecting rod bolt had broken main gear torn off.

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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