Piper PA-28RT-201T accident near Parker, Colorado, February 25, 2006
On February 25, 2006 at about 3:45 pm local time, a Piper PA-28RT-201T, registered N2939V, was substantially damaged in an accident near Parker, Colorado. It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). No one was hurt; 2 people were on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
the improper maintenance procedures resulting in the unseating of the number two main bearing. Contributing factors include the mechanic's improper troubleshooting procedures, and the pilot's improper decision to continue operating the airplane with known internal excessive engine wear, and engine rpm issues.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 5, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- February 25, 2006 · about 3:45 pm local time
- Place
- Parker, Colorado · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 2 people were on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Piper PA-28RT-201T · all PA-28RT-201Ts on the register
- Registration
- N2939V · no longer on the register · serial 28R-7931264
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
The pilot stated that during cruise flight the engine rpm increased to an "over speed condition." When he increased power, he could not keep the rpm under redline and he elected to perform a forced landing. During the landing, the landing gear collapsed resulting in substantial damage. The pilot stated they had been having difficulty obtaining full rpm from the engine. He stated that the propeller governor had been adjusted several times, but full rpm was never obtained. On November 16, 2005, at an engine tachometer time of 1,959.37, the oil and filter were removed and replaced, and an oil sample was sent for analysis. The results from that analysis indicated "excessive wear." Removal of the oil suction screen revealed metal contamination inside and outside the screen. Examination of the propeller governor revealed the adjustment screw had been adjusted beyond its maximum stop. The propeller governor was removed and the screen between the governor and the engine was entirely obstructed with metal contamination. Removal and examination of the oil filter revealed metal contamination. Broken portions of the number two main bearing were found within the oil sump. Breakaway torque values revealed that the number two and number three cylinder throughbolt nuts, at the cylinder flange, were loose at 500 inch/pounds. Further examination revealed metal contamination throughout the engine, including the oil pump and the oil cooler. No other anomalies were noted with the airframe, propeller, or engine.
The complete narrative as the NTSB published it. The NTSB's docket holds the report as a PDF and any photographs, statements and other documents from the investigation.
The factual record from the NTSB's investigation tables, in plain English
Pilot
- Certificate: commercial pilot
- Ratings: single-engine land; instrument: airplane
- Flight time: 495 hours in all; 250 in this make and model
- Last flight review: May 1, 2004
- Medical certificate: Class 1 (without waivers/limitations)
- Seat: rgt
- Injury: no injuries
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 315 hours in all; 235 in this make and model
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (without waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 3,817 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, July 1, 2005
- Maximum gross weight: 2,900 lb
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: retractable
- Engine: Teledyne Continental TSIO-360-FB5B (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: FTG Denver CO at 3:30 pm
- Destination: 7V1 Buena Vista CO
- Flight plan: none
- A second pilot was aboard
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Sky: broken clouds at 8,000 ft; scat at 700 ft
- Temperature: 27°F (-3°C), dew point 21°F (-6°C)
- Altimeter: 30.25 inHg
- Observation at 3:53 pm from APA, 15 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 2 |
Documents from the investigation the NTSB's docket: the evidence folder behind the report
The docket, the folder of records gathered during an investigation (maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, examinations), has not been read from the NTSB for this case yet; the list appears here once it has. Open the docket at the NTSB.
Everything on this page comes from the NTSB's public records. The narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words; the coded tables behind the report are written out in plain English, with pilots' ages, home towns and medical details left out. The documents and photographs are the NTSB's docket, shown as the NTSB released them. This site's own text never names anyone involved. A preliminary report can change; the final report usually follows one to two years later, and the page is refreshed when it does.