# NTSB ERA16LA331: Piper PA32RT, N39686, Camden, SC, September 30, 2016 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 30, 2016, 17:30 local (21:30 UTC) - Place: Camden, SC - Coordinates: 34.305, -80.474441 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.3050&lon=-80.4744&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report May 24, 2018 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: Kelly Aerospace, FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 94123 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA16LA331 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/94123/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94123 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA16LA331 ## Probable cause A total loss of engine power due to the improper torqueing of the magneto, which led it to its malfunctioning in flight. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Ignition system: magneto/distributor](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057414): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Incorrect service/maintenance (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-32RT-300T, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057414/cases.md?model=7103216), [All aircraft, 101 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01057414/cases.md) - [Maintenance: installation](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035): Personnel issues › Task performance · Other (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-32RT-300T, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md?model=7103216), [All aircraft, 371 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062035/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-32RT-300T, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=7103216), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341); cases with it: [Piper PA-32RT-300T, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=7103216), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Landing: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Piper PA-32RT-300T, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=7103216), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) ## Analysis The airline transport pilot and passenger were breaking in the newly overhauled engine on a cross-country flight in accordance with the engine manufacturer's break-in procedures. About 20 minutes after departure, during cruise flight at 75% power, the engine began running "mildly rough" and then began "cutting in and out." The pilot chose to divert to another airport, and about 5 miles from that airport, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to a field, during which the wings and fuselage sustained substantial damage. When the single-drive dual magneto was placed on a test stand, the left side of the magneto did not produce spark. Internal examination of the magneto revealed that the left and right capacitor fastenings were not properly torqued, which resulted in intermittent arcing and melting of the cam follower and the subsequent loss of power. It could not be determined when the magneto's capacitor fasteners had last been torqued. ## Factual narrative On September 30, 2016, about 1730 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32, N39686, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The airline transport pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. An instrument flight plan was filed for the personal flight that originated at Florence Regional Airport (FLO), Florence, South Carolina, destined for Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), Asheville, North Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.The pilot reported that the engine had just been overhauled and reinstalled. The pilot conducted a test flight September 26, during which he noted the No. 5 cylinder head temperature was high and there was light smoke coming from the engine. The No. 5 cylinder head temperature probe was replaced before the next flight. The purpose of the accident flight was to break in the engine in accordance with the engine manufacturer's published break-in procedures. The airplane departed FLO and climbed to 8,000 feet mean sea level (msl). The airplane was in level flight at 75% power, about 20 minutes after departure when the engine began running "mildly rough." The pilot stated that he descended the airplane to a lower altitude and planned to return to FLO. The engine then began "cutting in and out", he declared an emergency, and attempted to land at Woodward Field Airport (CDN), Camden, South Carolina. About 5 miles from CDN, the engine lost all power and the pilot performed a forced landing in a field. Examination of the airplane's wings and fuselage revealed that they had sustained substantial damage, and the right wing separated from the main spar at the wing root. The propeller blades were bent aft. Examination of the engine confirmed engine control continuity from the cockpit to the respective engine components. The propeller was manually rotated, thumb compression was obtained on all cylinders. The fuel lines were secured, there was no staining observed. The fuel screen and fuel drained from the throttle body was free of debris. The single drive dual magneto was placed on a test stand, the left side of the magneto did not produce spark. During initial testing the right side produced spark on four of the six leads when rotated by hand. When planed on a test stand the right side produced spark on all leads. Internal examination of the magneto revealed that the left side cam follower was melted, preventing opening of the points. The left and right capacitor fastenings were not properly torqued, the left nut was loosened by hand and the right nut was loosened easily with a wrench and removed by hand. The cam follower also displayed melting and signatures of intermittent arcing, consistent with inadequate torque observed on the capacitor fastenings. The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single engine land, multi engine land, instrument airplane,and a flight instructor certificate. The pilot held a second class medical certificate and reported 7,200 total hours of flying experience. The six seat, low wing, retractable tricycle landing gear-equipped airplane, was manufactured in 1978. It was powered by a Lycoming TIO-540, 300 horsepower engine driving a McCauley two-blade, constant-speed propeller. The closest weather reporting facility was Woodward field Airport (CDN), Camden, South Carolina, about 5 miles west of the accident site. At 1725, the weather reported at HVS included wind 220° at 5 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition, clear; temperature, 27° C; dew point, 13° C; and a barometric altimeter setting of 29.96 inHg. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N39686](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N39686-2018-12-17), registration cancelled 2018-12-17, S/N 32R-7887143, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA32RT (300T) - Registry model: [Piper PA-32RT-300T](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-32rt-300t) (registry code 7103216) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming TI0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-ti0-540-series) (registry code 41533, turbo-prop) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 32R-7887143 - Year built: 1978 - Engines: Lycoming TIO-540 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, September 1, 2015 - Departed: FLO, FLORENCE, SC - Destination: AVL, ASHEVILLE, NC - Flight plan: IFR - Equipment: Auto-pilot ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 45; injuries: minor; flight instructor, airline transport, commercial, private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review February 20, 2016; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 7,200 total, 20 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 220° at 5 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg - Observed at: KCDN, 5 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 20160930016089A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160930016089A), Sep 30, 2016: Piper PA-32RT-300T, Camden, SC, Substantial damage. Aircraft depart kflo on an IFR cross country flight to put time on a newly installed overhauled engine. About 20 minutes into the flight and level at 8000 feet… ## Docket (7 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 7, 2018, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94123. 2.9 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40460681&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Pilot Timeline (item 2, .PDF, 180 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40460682&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Timeline-Master.PDF - Photo Array (item 3, .PDF, 2 photos, 201 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40460683&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Array-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector's Statement (item 4, .PDF, 58 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40460684&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF - Engine Exam (item 5, .PDF, 1 photo, 744 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40460685&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Engine%20Exam-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 6, .PDF, 313 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40460686&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 7, .PDF, 186 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40460687&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Master.PDF 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.