# NTSB LAX91LA314: Piper PA28R-200, N646RL, So. Lake Tahoe, CA, July 15, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 15, 1991, 12:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: So. Lake Tahoe, CA
- Location: 38.9282° N, 119.9810° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of South Lake Tahoe, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9282&lon=-119.9810&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 5 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 27, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27292
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX91LA314
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27292/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX91LA314

## Probable cause

ENGINE FAILUE DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE CRANKSHAFT RESULTING FROM FAILURE INDUCED BY A NON-METALLIC INCLUSION IN THE SHAFT.

## 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
  - single engine aircraft
  - engine assembly,crankshaft - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water

## Analysis

THE ENGINE FAILED WHILE THE AIRCRAFT WAS OVER LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA, IN CRUISE FLIGHT. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO REACH AN AIRPORT AND DITCHED IN THE LAKE. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE AFTER THE ACCIDENT DISCLOSED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT FAILED.  METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION DISCLOSED THE FAILURE RESULTED FROM FATIGUE INDUCED BY A NON-METALLIC INCLUSION IN THE SHAFT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N646RL](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N646RL-2013-03-18), registration cancelled 2013-03-18, S/N 28R-35013, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA28R-200
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28R-200](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28r-200) (registry code 7102811) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming I0360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-i0360-series) (registry code 41515, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28R35013
- Airframe hours: 2888
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-360-C1C 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Rhumb Line Ltd
- Registered owner: Laurain, Jack J. & Joanne M.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1991, 45 hours before
- Departed: RNO, RENO, NV
- Destination: CRQ, CARLSBAD, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,873 total, 50 in this make and model, 1,708 as pilot in command, 31 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: TVL, 10 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 19910715027469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910715027469A), Jul 15, 1991: Piper PA28R200, So Lake Tahoe, CA, Substantial damage. Engine quit en route. Ditched in a lake. Crankshaft failed due to fatigue cracks.

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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