Primary finding
Probable cause
Failure of the number one cylinder at the cylinder flange radius.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The engine lost power during cruise flight at 2000 feet agl. The pilot force landed the airplane in a field approximately 5 miles east of the airport. The landing gear collapsed on rollout when it struck a line of bushes. Examination of the engine revealed that the number one cylinder had broken off in the flange radius, which resulted in failure of the number one piston at the wrist pin. No evidence of fatigue was found on the cylinder fracture surfaces.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 2, 1993, at 1030 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-24-180, N7027P, collided with terrain during a forced landing near Moncks Corner, South Carolina. The airplane was operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. A flight plan was not filed for the personal flight. There were no injuries to the private pilot, while the airplane was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was Georgetown, South Carolina, at about 0900 on the same day. The pilot reported that the engine quit while in cruise flight at approximately 2000 ft. AGL. A forced landing was made into wooded terrain, causing damage to the airframe and landing gear. Examination of the airplane's engine, a Lycoming O-360-AT1, revealed that the number one cylinder had broken away from the engine. Also, the number one piston was broken off at the wrist pin. No evidence of fatigue was found at the cylinder fracture surfaces. -