# NTSB MKC86LA175: Piper PA-32-260, N3442W, Wilson, KS, August 26, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 26, 1986, 14:34 local (19:34 UTC)
- Place: Wilson, KS
- Coordinates: 38.820529, -98.470458 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.8205&lon=-98.4705&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34236
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC86LA175
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34236/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC86LA175

## 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
  - engine assembly,push rod - failure,total (cause)
  - emergency procedure - initiated, pilot in command
  - material defect, manufacturer (cause)
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, cruise
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent
  - proper descent rate - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT BEFORE THE FLIGHT THE SPARK PLUGS WERE CLEANED AND INSPECTED AND THE ENGINE WAS SERVICED WITH ELEVEN QUARTS OF OIL. THREE HOURS INTO THE FLIGHT INSTRUMENT METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS (IMC) WITH RAIN WAS ENCOUNTERED AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED TO ZERO AND THE ENGINE BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH, ACCORDING TO THE PILOT. THE ENGINE WAS SECURED, AN EMERGENCY WAS DECLARED, AND A DESCENT UNDER IMC WAS INITIATED WITH VECTORS FROM KANSAS CITY ARTCC, THE PILOT FURTHER STATED. BUT UPON BREAKING OUT OF THE CLOUDS, THE ONLY LANDING AREA AVAILABLE WAS A ROLLING PASTURE WITH A DRAINAGE DITCH ACROSS THE LANDING PATH. POST-ACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED OIL STARVATION DUE TO FAILURE OF THE NUMBER SIX PUSHROD AND DAMAGE TO THE CRANKCASE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3442W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3442W), registered now, S/N 32-307, built 1965 (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: 32-307
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-E4B5 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Lloyd G. Mcbride
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 2, 1986, 52 hours before
- Departed: FNL, FORT COLLINS, CO
- Destination: SLN, SALINA, KS
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 8,430 total, 238 in this make and model, 56 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 360° at 15 knots
- Visibility: 3 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 13,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 72 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SLN, 50 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 19860826044349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860826044349A), Aug 26, 1986: Piper PA32260, Wilson, KS, Substantial damage. The engine was secured due to low oil pressure and the aircraft landed in a pasture. Number 6 pushrod failed.

## Other investigations on N3442W (1)

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.

- [NTSB IAD73FIJ22](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD73FIJ22), May 17, 1973: Piper PA-32 (N3442W), Fleminton, WV, substantial damage

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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