Beech A36 N9144Q accident near Weston, Connecticut

Probable cause

The in-flight opening of the engine cowling, which resulted in engine baffling separating from the airplane and impacting the right elevator.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that he had performed a preflight inspection of the airplane and did not note any deficiency with the engine cowling’s security. About 7 minutes into the flight, the front right engine cowling opened and started flapping. The pilot declared an emergency with air traffic control and diverted to a nearby airport where he landed uneventfully. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that engine baffling had separated from the engine compartment and impacted the right elevator resulting in substantial damage. Maintenance personnel examined the airplane after the accident and found that the cowling’s latch mechanism functioned normally with no mechanical irregularities.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA289 for the full record.