Probable cause
A failure of the engine cowling right side latch pin and fasteners, which resulted in the partial separation of the engine cowling during flight.
NTSB analysis
According to the flight instructor, while in cruise flight transitioning between airports, the right side of the engine upper cowling came unlatched and struck the windshield. The left side of the upper cowling remained attached, and the pilot landed without further incident. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the windshield.
Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the right front fastener pin, which secures the front of the upper cowling adjacent to the air intake, had separated from the cowling structure. This likely allowed the forward right side of the upper cowling to separate from the lower cowling and move up into the airstream, resulting in the overload failure of the right side cowling latches.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA051 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 5, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mesa, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (IWA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Piper PA-28-180
- N-number
- N9166J
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.