Service difficulty report · Connecting Rod · Piper PA31350

Difficulty date
March 9, 2004
Submitted
April 1, 2004
Operation
General aviation
Make and model
Piper PA31350
Aircraft time
17,336 hours
Engine
Lyc TIO540J2BD
Propeller
Hartzl HCE3YR2A
Part
Connecting Rod
Condition
Cracked
Location
Engine
Stage of operation
CR
How discovered
O
Nature of condition
E, B
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 CRUSE, THE CREW HEARD NOISES COMING FROM THE NR 2 ENGINE, SHORTLY AFTER THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND VIBRATION. THE CREW NOTICED OIL AND SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COWL, THE PROP WAS FEATHERED AND ENGINE STOWED. THE OIL HIT THE TURBOCHARGER AND IGNITED CAUSING FIRE TO FLOW ALONG THE LOWER WING AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE LOWER SKIN AND GEAR DOOR. THE LOWER FLAP SKIN ALSO SHOWED SIGNS OF HEAT DAMAGE. THE A/C LANDED WITH NO FURTHER PROBLEMS.

More about the Piper PA-31-350