NTSB Factual Report

On September 30, 2016, about 1730 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32, N39686, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The airline transport pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. An instrument flight plan was filed for the personal flight that originated at Florence Regional Airport (FLO), Florence, South Carolina, destined for Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), Asheville, North Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

The pilot reported that the engine had just been overhauled and reinstalled. The pilot conducted a test flight September 26, during which he noted the No. 5 cylinder head temperature was high and there was light smoke coming from the engine. The No. 5 cylinder head temperature probe was replaced before the next flight.

The purpose of the accident flight was to break in the engine in accordance with the engine manufacturer's published break-in procedures. The airplane departed FLO and climbed to 8,000 feet mean sea level (msl). The airplane was in level flight at 75% power, about 20 minutes after departure when the engine began running "mildly rough." The pilot stated that he descended the airplane to a lower altitude and planned to return to FLO. The engine then began "cutting in and out", he declared an emergency, and attempted to land at Woodward Field Airport (CDN), Camden, South Carolina. About 5 miles from CDN, the engine lost all power and the pilot performed a forced landing in a field.

Examination of the airplane's wings and fuselage revealed that they had sustained substantial damage, and the right wing separated from the main spar at the wing root. The propeller blades were bent aft. Examination of the engine confirmed engine control continuity from the cockpit to the respective engine components. The propeller was manually rotated, thumb compression was obtained on all cylinders. The fuel lines were secured, there was no staining observed. The fuel screen and fuel drained from the throttle body was free of debris.

The single drive dual magneto was placed on a test stand, the left side of the magneto did not produce spark. During initial testing the right side produced spark on four of the six leads when rotated by hand. When planed on a test stand the right side produced spark on all leads. Internal examination of the magneto revealed that the left side cam follower was melted, preventing opening of the points. The left and right capacitor fastenings were not properly torqued, the left nut was loosened by hand and the right nut was loosened easily with a wrench and removed by hand. The cam follower also displayed melting and signatures of intermittent arcing, consistent with inadequate torque observed on the capacitor fastenings.

The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single engine land, multi engine land, instrument airplane, and a flight instructor certificate. The pilot held a second class medical certificate and reported 7,200 total hours of flying experience.

The six seat, low wing, retractable tricycle landing gear-equipped airplane, was manufactured in 1978. It was powered by a Lycoming TIO-540, 300 horsepower engine driving a McCauley two-blade, constant-speed propeller.

The closest weather reporting facility was Woodward field Airport (CDN), Camden, South Carolina, about 5 miles west of the accident site. At 1725, the weather reported at HVS included wind 220° at 5 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky condition, clear; temperature, 27° C; dew point, 13° C; and a barometric altimeter setting of 29.96 inHg.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power due to the improper torqueing of the magneto, which led it to its malfunctioning in flight.