# NTSB FTW87LA028: Piper PA-28R-180, N3171R, Montgomery, TX, December 6, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 6, 1986, 14:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Montgomery, TX
- Coordinates: 30.389844, -95.689102 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3898&lon=-95.6891&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22306
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87LA028
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22306/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA028

## 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
  - engine assembly,cylinder - separation (cause)
  - miscellaneous - undertorqued (cause)
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

A PRIVATE PILOT CHECK RIDE WAS INTERRUPTED BY A FORCED LANDING ON A GOLF COURSE AFTER HAVING EXPERIENCED SEVERE VIBRATIONS AND A LOSS OF POWER. DURING THE FORCED LANDING THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH A 10 FT TALL TREE AND NOSED DOWN TO TERRAIN IMPACT. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE #3 CYLINDER HAD SEPARATED FROM THE ENG. THE LARGE DIAMETER CYLINDER HOLD DOWN STUDS SEPARATED IN OVERLOAD, BUT THE LOWER SMALL DIAMETER STUDS WERE INTACT, INDICATING THAT THE CYLINDER HOLD DOWN NUTS HAD BACKED OFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3171R (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28R-180
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R31119
- Airframe hours: 1098
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-B1E 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ronald Hall & T. Gardner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 27, 1986
- Departed: CXO, MONTGOMERY, TX
- Airport: CXO, Conroe Muni

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 90 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 110° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: IAH, 29 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 19861206083479A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861206083479A), Dec 6, 1986: Piper PA28R180, Montgomery, TX, Substantial damage. The engine failed. The aircraft struck trees during landing. Cylinder studs found broken on number 3 cylinder.

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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