Piper PA-28RT-201T N2939V

Summary

On 25 February 2006 at about 15:45 local time, a Piper PA-28RT-201T registered N2939V was involved in an accident near Parker, Colorado, United States. 2 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

25 February 2006 at 15:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Parker, Colorado, United States

Coordinates

39.4990, -104.7609

Aircraft

Piper PA-28RT-201T

Registration

N2939V

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Denver → Buena Vista

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

DEN06LA044

Nobody was injured.

the improper maintenance procedures resulting in the unseating of the number two main bearing. Contributing factors include the mechanic's improper troubleshooting procedures, and the pilot's improper decision to continue operating the airplane with known internal excessive engine wear, and engine rpm issues.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that during cruise flight the engine rpm increased to an "over speed condition." When he increased power, he could not keep the rpm under redline and he elected to perform a forced landing. During the landing, the landing gear collapsed resulting in substantial damage. The pilot stated they had been having difficulty obtaining full rpm from the engine. He stated that the propeller governor had been adjusted several times, but full rpm was never obtained. On November 16, 2005, at an engine tachometer time of 1,959.37, the oil and filter were removed and replaced, and an oil sample was sent for analysis. The results from that analysis indicated "excessive wear." Removal of the oil suction screen revealed metal contamination inside and outside the screen. Examination of the propeller governor revealed the adjustment screw had been adjusted beyond its maximum stop. The propeller governor was removed and the screen between the governor and the engine was entirely obstructed with metal contamination. Removal and examination of the oil filter revealed metal contamination. Broken portions of the number two main bearing were found within the oil sump. Breakaway torque values revealed that the number two and number three cylinder throughbolt nuts, at the cylinder flange, were loose at 500 inch/pounds. Further examination revealed metal contamination throughout the engine, including the oil pump and the oil cooler. No other anomalies were noted with the airframe, propeller, or engine.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.