# NTSB SEA89LA056: Piper PA-32, N3576W, Seabeck, WA, March 12, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 12, 1989, 14:40 local (22:40 UTC)
- Place: Seabeck, WA
- Coordinates: 47.579959, -122.899566 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.5800&lon=-122.8996&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 40986
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA89LA056
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/40986/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA89LA056

## Probable cause

A FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE LANDING AREA.

## 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,crankshaft - fatigue (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PLT MADE A FORCED LANDING ON A ROCKY BEACH AFTER THE ENGINE LOST POWER DURING CRUISE FLT OVER WATER. THE LEFT LANDING GEAR COLLAPSED DURING THE LANDING. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT CRANKSHAFT SUFFERED A FATIGUE FAILURE AT 298 HOURS SINCE OVERHAUL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3576W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3576W), registered now, S/N 32-469, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-32
- 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: 32-458
- Airframe hours: 3948
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540 260 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Carol L. Davenport
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 6, 1989, 14 hours before
- Departed: WN41, SEQUIM VALLEY, WA
- Destination: PWT, BREMERTON, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 534 total, 9 in this make and model, 463 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 260° at 13 knots
- Visibility: 2 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,900 ft broken
- Temperature: 45 °F, dew point 43 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SEA, 25 nm away

## Other investigations on N3576W (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 DIA69F0171](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DIA69F0171), Apr 9, 1969: Piper PA-32 (N3576W), New Kent, VA, 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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