SDR 95ZZZX649

Service difficulty report · Cowl · Piper PA28R200

Difficulty date
January 20, 1995
Submitted
March 26, 2000
Operation
General aviation
Aircraft
N4494T
Make and model
Piper PA28R200
Aircraft serial
28R7235039
Part
Cowl
Part number
6735000
Condition
Detached
Location
Engine Top
Stage of operation
CR
Nature of condition
O
Precautionary procedure
O

As reported to the FAA. Reports are unverified, and codes are left as the FAA publishes them.

What was found

FIFTEEN MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ONE-PIECE TOP COWLING CAME OFF STRIKING THE PROPELLER AND BREAKING OUT THE COPILOT'S WINDSHIELD. THE COWLING WAS NOT RECOVERED. IT IS BELIEVED THE TWO-COWL FASTENERS ON THE LEFT SIDE CAME UNFASTENED. THE COWLING CAME UP AND ROLLED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT BREAKING OFF APPROXIMATELY 6 INCHES ABOVE THE FASTENERS ON THE RIGHT SIDE. THE FASTENERS ON THE RIGHT REMAINED FASTENED. THE FASTENERS WERE SECURED ON PRE-FLIGHT, IT IS SUSPECTED THE WING NUTS WERE LOOSE WITH NO TENSION IN THE LOCKED POSITION. IT IS SUSPECTED AIR FLOW OR VIBRATION ALLOWED FASTENERS TO COME LOOSE IN FLIGHT. SUGGEST ALL OWNERS, OPERATORS & MECHANICS KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON THESE WING NUTS FOR SECURITY.

More about the Piper PA-28R-200