Probable cause
The improper installation of the connecting rod bolts, which resulted in an engine failure.
NTSB analysis
While in cruise flight, the engine lost power and oil immediately covered the windscreen. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted terrain and sustained substantial damage to the right wing. Disassembly of the engine showed multiple failures of the connecting rod assemblies. Metallurgical examination of the connecting rod assemblies revealed that the connecting rods likely failed due to insufficient clamping force at the split lines at the crankshaft end of the connecting rods. The pieces showed evidence of the nuts backing off from at least 3 of the connecting rod bolts. Fatigue of the connecting rod bolt and connecting rod straps was secondary to the loss of clamping force at the split lines. It is likely that the connecting rod bolts were not installed properly during the last overhaul.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13LA233 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 19, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Paris, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32-301
- N-number
- N82723
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.