# SDR 20010516CW001

- Type: Service difficulty report (as reported; unverified)
- Difficulty date: May 11, 2001
- Submitted: May 16, 2001
- Operation: General aviation
- Aircraft: N45008
- Make and model: Piper PA-31-350
- Registry model: [Piper PA-31-350](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-31-350) (OpenAirDocs)
- Aircraft serial: 318052167
- Engine: Lyc TIO540J2BD
- System (JASC): [8520 · Reciprocating Engine Power Section](https://openairdocs.org/jasc/8520)
- Part: Stud
- Part number: 76220
- Condition: Fractured
- Location: Nr 3 Clyinder
- Stage of operation: CR
- How discovered: O
- Nature of condition: D, A
- Precautionary procedure: A
- FAA source: FAA Service Difficulty Reporting System (https://sdrs.faa.gov/)
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/sdr/20010516CW001

## Discrepancy

AT CRUISE FLIGHT, THE NR 3 CYLINDER SEPARATED FROM THE ENGINE CASE, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INFLIGHT FIRE.  THE ENGINE CASE, CYLINDER HOLD DOWN STUDS THROUGH BOLT STUDS AND NR 3 CONNECTING ROD WERE SENT FOR LAB INVESTIGATION.  INVESTIGATION RESULTS:  THE PRIMARY CAUSE WHICH LED TO THE SEPARATION OF THE NR 3 CYLINDER WAS THAT THE THROUGH BOLT STUDS WERE MOST LIKELY NOT PROPERLY TORQUED.

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