Investigation number
199302235
Occurrence date
State
New South Wales
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence category
Incident

During approach to the Armidale circuit a vibration was felt followed by fluctuating power indications on the left engine. The vibration increased, so the left engine was shut down and the propeller feathered. After landing, oil was observed leaking from a hole in the top of the left engine crankcase. Investigation revealed a fatigue failure of the crankshaft which then caused the failure of two connecting rods, one of which punctured the crankcase causing the oil loss. Metalurgical examination of the crankshaft failure revealed that the fatigue crack had initiated from grinding stress cracks in the aft radius of the No. 5 connecting rod journal. Grinding rework had been performed in this area during the previous engine overhaul, 15 hours before the failure.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-31-350
Registration
VH-AVF
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Bankstown NSW
Destination
Armidale NSW
Damage
Nil