Piper PA-24-260 N8637P

Summary

On 27 July 2007 at about 20:12 local time, a Piper PA-24-260 registered N8637P was involved in an accident near Ramona, California, 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

27 July 2007 at 20:12

Classification

Accident

Location

Ramona, California, United States

Nearest airport

Ramona (RNM)

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Piper PA-24-260

Registration

N8637P

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Ramona → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX07LA234

Nobody was injured.

A total loss of engine power due to a short circuit between both magneto ground leads. A factor in the accident was the inadequate annual/100-hour maintenance inspection regarding the wires.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot was performing a test flight to confirm the operation of newly installed avionics. During the return flight to the airport, the engine began to "backfire" and then lost all power. The pilot went through the emergency checklist, but was unable to restart the engine. The pilot force landed the airplane in a dirt field with the landing gear retracted. Both fuel tanks were found to be approximately 1/2 full. Further examination of the airframe revealed a short circuit of both magneto grounding leads in the electrical wiring between the magneto switch and the magneto. The investigation determined that he wiring harnesses were original to the airplane, which was manufactured in 1964. Investigators were able to successfully start the engine and perform a run-up under two separate conditions. The first engine start occurred after investigators disconnected both p-leads at their respective magneto terminals. The second engine start occurred after new electrical wire was connected from the magneto switch to both magnetos. Investigators noted the general overall poor condition of the p-lead electrical wiring. A review of the engine logbook revealed that the engine had been returned to service following a 100-hour inspection about a month prior to the accident. The engine logbook entry indicated that maintenance personnel checked wires, cables, and hoses for condition and security.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.