# NTSB MIA85LA219: Piper PA-28-180, N32576, South Bay, FL, July 26, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 26, 1985, 08:15 local (12:15 UTC)
- Place: South Bay, FL
- Coordinates: 26.659038, -80.709045 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.6590&lon=-80.7090&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): 31431
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA219
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31431/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA219

## 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
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - disconnected (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (cause)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - turbulence (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,wheel - separation (cause)
  - proper descent rate - not maintained, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ENG LOST PWR DURING A SIGHTSEEING FLT AT 1200 FT MSL AND THE PLT SELECTED A DIVIDED HWY FOR AN EMERGENCY LANDING TO THE WEST. BECAUSE HE WAS OVERTAKING A TRUCK ON THE WESTBOUND LANES, THE PLT TRIED TO LAND ON THE MEDIAN STRIP. THE ACFT WAS CAUGHT IN THE TRUCK'S WAKE TURBULENCE, THE RIGHT WHEEL HIT HARD AND WAS TORN OFF THE STRUT. THE ACFT VEERED ACROSS THE HWY AND CAME TO REST ON THE NORTH SHOULDER HEADING IN ALMOST THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. A CONNECTING ROD WAS PROTRUDINGTHROUGH THE ENG CASE. THE ROD BOLTS WERE FOUND MISSING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N32576](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N32576-2009-06-24), registration cancelled 2009-06-24, S/N 28-7505074, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-180
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7505074
- Airframe hours: 2611
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-A4A 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Lars R. Hagen
- Registered owner: Bendix Avionics Emp. Flying
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 10, 1984, 173 hours before
- Departed: BCT, BOCA RATON, FL
- Destination: FXE, FT.LAUDERDALE, FL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 73 total, 4 in this make and model, 35 as pilot in command, 4 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: PBI, 35 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 19850726034279A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850726034279A), Jul 26, 1985: Piper PA28180, South Bay, FL, Substantial damage. Hit hard on emergency landing after engine power loss. Connecting rod protruding from engine case, rod bolts gone.

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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