# NTSB FTW82FRD16: Piper PA-32-260, N3446W, Belle Chasse, LA, June 26, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: June 26, 1982, 11:30 local (16:30 UTC)
- Place: Belle Chasse, LA
- Location: 29.8587° N, 90.0033° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Belle Chasse, LA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.8587&lon=-90.0033&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 2 serious
- Status: Completed, report June 26, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69917
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82FRD16
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69917/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82FRD16

## 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,cylinder - failure,total (cause)
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - loose (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- In flight collision with object, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE ACFT DEPARTED SOUTHERN SEAPLANE'S LAND RWY 20 & CLIMBED TO APPROXIMATELY 200-300 FT WHERE IT WAS OBSERVED TRAILING WHITE SMOKE. IT TRAVELLED APPROXIMATELY 1.6 MI FROM ITS DEPARTURE POINT & STRUCK A TREE ON THE BANK OF THE ALGIERS OUTFALL CANAL. ENG TEAR DOWN INSPECTION REVEALED THAT THE #3 CYLINDER SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THE #5 CYLINDER & ROD ASSEMBLY WAS FOUND TO HAVE LOOSE CONNECTING ROD CAP NUTS. BOTH #3 & #5 CONRODS & CYLINDERS WERE REPLACED ON 9/29/81. #1, 2, & 4 CYLINDERS HAD SEVERAL DIME TO QUARTER SIZE PIECES OF ALUMINUM ON TOP OF THE PISTON INSIDE THE CYLINDERS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3446W](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3446W-2013-04-16), registration cancelled 2013-04-16, S/N 32-312, built 1966 (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: 32312
- Airframe hours: 3606
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 250 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: Both
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Sizor Machinery Company
- Registered owner: Sizor Machinery Company
- Departed: BELLE CHASSE, LA
- Destination: CHICAGO, IL
- Airport: Southern Seaplane, runway 20, 3,200 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, unknown; flight hours: 2,176 total, 2,176 in this make and model, 2,047 as pilot in command, 41 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 160° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 178 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: NBG

## 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 19820626024919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820626024919A), Jun 26, 1982: Piper PA32260, Belle Chasse, LA, Destroyed. Engine quit shortly after takeoff. Struck trees and embankment. No engine warm up or check. Connecting rods failed.

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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