Service difficulty report · Connecting Rod · Piper PA31350

Difficulty date
March 1, 2002
Submitted
March 21, 2002
Operation
General aviation
Make and model
Piper PA31350
Aircraft time
6,962 hours
Engine
Lyc TIO540J2BD
Part
Connecting Rod
Condition
Failed
Location
Lt Engine
Stage of operation
CR
How discovered
O
Nature of condition
E
Precautionary procedure
E, A

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

What was found

(CAN) DURING A SHORT FLIGHT APPROXIMATLY 5 MINUTES. AFTER T/O, PILOTS NOTICED A FAINT CLICKING NOISE FOLLOWED IMMEDIATLY BY A SLIGHT VIBRATION THEN SMOKE FROM THE LT ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS SHUT DOWN AND FEATHERED IMMEDIATLY. AFTER LANDING VISUAL INSPECTION CONFIRMED THE NR 6 CONNECTING ROD HAD PENETRATED THE CRANKCASE ABOUT 2-3 INCHES OUTBOARD OF THE CASE SPINE.

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