Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Hilliard, Florida, April 23, 2009
On April 23, 2009 at about 7:00 pm local time, a Piper PA-28R-200, registered N2938R, was substantially damaged in an accident during enroute (change of cruise level) near Hilliard, Florida (Hilliard Airpark airport). It was a personal flight under general aviation rules (Part 91). No one was hurt; 4 people were on board or involved. The weather was visual conditions (good weather).
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The NTSB's probable cause their words, unchanged
A total loss of engine power due to the fatigue failure of the No. 3 cylinder attachment stud as a result of insufficient torque during installation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s operation of the airplane with a known mechanical deficiency.
Source: NTSB aviation accident database, copy made October 4, 2026. Docket and reports at the NTSB.
What the record shows
- Date
- April 23, 2009 · about 7:00 pm local time
- Place
- Hilliard, Florida · Hilliard Airpark · map
- Type
- Accident
- Injuries
- No one was hurt; 4 people were on board or involved.
- Weather
- visual conditions (good weather)
- Aircraft
- Piper PA-28R-200 · all PA-28R-200s on the register
- Registration
- N2938R · registry record · serial 28R-35333
- Damage
- Substantial damage
- Flight
- Personal flight · general aviation rules (Part 91)
The NTSB's narrative final · quoted from the NTSB record
Approximately 2 hours into the cross-country flight the pilot heard a loud noise from the engine compartment and the engine subsequently failed. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field and the empennage struck a tree, resulting in substantial airframe damage. Examination of the engine revealed that the No. 3 cylinder partially separated in flight, resulting in the engine failure. An engine cylinder attachment stud and nut were found at the run-up pad at the departure airport. Examination of the stud revealed evidence of fatigue cracking, which was indicative of an under torque condition. Other cylinder attachment nuts on the engine showed evidence of under torquing. The pilot had recently purchased the airplane and the seller reported that an oil leak was noted during the "pre-buy" inspection. The mechanic who inspected the airplane at the pre-buy reported that two cylinders were leaking oil. The seller installed the cylinders as part of a major overhaul that occurred approximately 131 hours prior to the accident. The pilot did not have maintenance performed to address the cylinder oil leaks prior to the accident.
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
What happened, in order
- Loss of engine power (total) during enroute (change of cruise level) defining event
- Off-field or emergency landing during emergency descent
- Collision with terrain or object (not controlled flight into terrain) during landing (landing roll)
The NTSB's findings
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft power plant › Engine (reciprocating) › Recip eng cyl section › Fatigue/wear/corrosion
- cause Personnel issues › Task performance › Maintenance › Installation › Maintenance personnel
- factor Personnel issues › Action/decision › Info processing/decision › Decision making/judgment › Pilot
- cause Aircraft › Aircraft power plant › Engine (reciprocating) › Recip eng cyl section › Incorrect service/maintenance
Pilot
- Certificate: private
- Ratings: single-engine land
- Flight time: 130 hours in all; 26 in this make and model; 30 in the last 90 days; 30 as pilot in command
- Last flight review: November 2, 2007
- Medical certificate: Class 3 (with waivers/limitations)
- Seat: left
- Injury: no injuries
The aircraft
- Airframe total time: 3,661 hours
- Last inspection: annual inspection, July 12, 2008; 131 hours since
- Maximum gross weight: 2,600 lb
- Seats: 4
- Landing gear: retractable
- Engine: Lycoming IO-360-C1C (piston); 0 hours total
The flight
- Departed from: 1A0 Chattanooga TN at 4:45 pm
- Destination: GIF Winter Haven FL
- Flight plan: none
- Runway 18, 3,365 ft by 125 ft
Weather at the time
- Light: daylight
- Wind: from 280° at 8 knots, gusting 15
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Sky: a few clouds at 4,000 ft
- Temperature: 86°F (30°C), dew point 54°F (12°C)
- Altimeter: 30.17 inHg
- Observation at 6:56 pm from JAX, 16 miles away
Injuries
| Fatal | Serious | Minor | None | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flig | 1 | |||
| Passengers | 3 |
About this page
Everything above comes from the NTSB's public accident database: the narrative, probable cause and findings are the NTSB's own words, and the coded tables behind its report (pilot, aircraft, flight, weather, injuries, sequence of events) are written out in plain English. Pilots' ages, home towns and medical details are left out on purpose. The docket at the NTSB holds the report as a PDF and the investigation's photographs and documents. This site never names pilots, passengers or anyone else involved. A preliminary report describes what is known soon after the event and can change; the final report, with the probable cause, usually follows one to two years later and this page is refreshed when it does. Case number ERA09LA261.