# NTSB LAX85FA130: Piper PA-32RT-300T, N2129G, Bishop, CA, January 31, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: January 31, 1985, 11:24 local (19:24 UTC)
- Place: Bishop, CA
- Coordinates: 37.500686, -118.310607 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.5007&lon=-118.3106&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24466
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX85FA130
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24466/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX85FA130

## 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, climb - to cruise
  - engine assembly,crankshaft - failure,total (cause)
  - maintenance,alignment - improper, manufacturer (cause)
  - engine assembly,crankshaft - fatigue (cause)
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - overload (contributing factor)
- Fire, descent - emergency
  - fluid,oil - fire (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE PLT RPTD THAT SHORTLY AFTER LEVELING OFF AT 11500 FT MSL, THE ENGINE EXPLODED CAUSING BOTH WINDSCREENS TO BE COVERED WITH OIL AND FIRE. THE FIRE STOPPED DURING THE EMERGENCY DESCENT. THE ACFT LANDED ON RY 30 AT BISHOP ARPT, BISHOP, CA WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. DISASSEMBLY EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED CRANKSHAFT FAILED AT THE SHORT CHEEK BETWEEN THE NO. 3 MAIN JOURNAL & THE NO. 4 CRANKPIN. THE NOS. 3 & 4 CONNECTING RODS & CAMSHAFT WERE FRACTURED. THE PISTONS SHOWED NO EVIDENCE OF ANY DETONATION. THE BACKSIDE OF THE CON RODS, MAIN JOURNAL BEARINGS & BOTH HALVES OF THE CRANKCASE SHOWED EXTENSIVE FRETTING SIGNATURES INDICATING MISALIGNMENT DURING MANUFACTURE. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION REVEALED THE CRANKSHAFT FAILED IN FATIGUE. ALL OTHER FRACTURES WERE OVERLOAD SUBSEQUENT TO THE CRANKSHAFT FAILURE. THE ENGINE HAD ACCUMULATED 602 FLT HOURS SINCE NEW.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2129G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2129G), registered now, S/N 32R-7987080, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32RT-300T (PA-32RT-30)
- 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: 32R7987080
- Airframe hours: 602
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Fire: In-Flight
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Thomas G. Merry, Md
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 30, 1984, 31 hours before
- Departed: MMH, MAMMOTH LAKES, CA
- Destination: ONT, ONTARIO, CA
- Airport: BIH, Bishop, runway 30, 7,500 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 34; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 288 total, 22 in this make and model, 250 as pilot in command, 32 in the last 90 days, 22 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 10 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °F, dew point 23 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: BIH

## 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 19850131004929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850131004929A), Jan 31, 1985: Piper PA32RT300T, Bishop, CA, Substantial damage. Total power loss and subsequent in flight fire. Fire ceased during descent to safe landing. Crankshaft failure.

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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