Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the no.3 connecting rod resulting in a loss of engine power. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While in cruise flight the engine began to run rough due to a failure of the no.3 connecting rod, and lost power. The pilot attempted a forced landing to a private airport. The airplane landed short of the airport in a field and the nose gear collapsed during the landing roll.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 24, 1994, about 1545 eastern standard time, N2829P, a Piper PA-22-150, crashed in Tavares, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the commercially-rated pilot reported no injuries. The flight had originated from Leesburg, Florida, about 45 minutes earlier. The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, at 1,000 feet, the engine began to run rough and the engine failed. The pilot attempted a forced landing to a private airport and landed short. The nose gear collapsed on touchdown. Local FAA inspectors examined the airplane and reported the No. 3 connecting rod in the engine failed at the piston pin end. The rod failure surfaces were too badly damaged to allow further examination to determine the failure mode. -