Piper PA-28-236 N2476Y

Summary

On 20 January 1996 at about 01:20 local time, a Piper PA-28-236 registered N2476Y, operated by Orange Co. Flight Center, was involved in an accident near Seal Beach, California, United States. 3 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

20 January 1996 at 01:20

Classification

Accident

Location

Seal Beach, California, United States

Nearest airport

John Wayne/Orange County (SNA)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Piper PA-28-236

Registration

N2476Y

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Orange Co. Flight Center

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Santa Ana → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Dusk

NTSB number

LAX96FA097

2 people had minor injuries.

a total loss of engine power from an improperly installed magneto that separated from the engine housing due to fatigue from vibration.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The engine suddenly quit during cruise flight and, unable to reach land, the pilot ditched in the ocean. After recovery, oil streaks were observed inside the engine cowling that proceeded back along the underside of the aircraft to the empennage. Also noted was a separation of the magneto housing from the accessory case and an oil residue. Examination of the housing revealed the presence of wear on the contact surfaces of the hold down lugs that suggests both lugs were loose prior to the accident. The looseness of the lugs would allow the magneto to vibrate, resulting in fatigue cracking through the mounting flange. The magneto was recently installed on the aircraft at the last inspection and the mechanic who performed the work did not have an inspection authorization.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.