CEN20LA384

Factual narrative

On September 7, 2020, about 0810 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32R airplane, N3576X, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bonham, Texas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, the airplane was on its first flight after maintenance work was completed, which included the replacement of the engine exhaust. Shortly after departure, the pilot noted high turbine inlet and cylinder head temperatures. The pilot then decided to return to the airport; however, about 2 miles short of the airport, the engine lost total power. During the forced landing, the landing gear collapsed in the soft terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. An engine examination was conducted by the responding Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. The examination found that the No. 6 cylinder fuel injector line was not connected. It was also noted that initially the turbocharger was not free to rotate, but once freed, it rotated without resistance. According to the pilot, he and a passenger departed on a personal flight. The airplane was on its first flight after maintenance work, which included the replacement of the engine exhaust. Shortly after departure, the pilot noted high turbine inlet and cylinder head temperatures. The pilot tried to return to the airport; however, about 2 miles short of the airport, the engine experienced a total loss of power. During the forced landing the landing gear collapsed in the soft terrain which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. An engine examination found that the No. 6 cylinder fuel injector line was not connected. It was also noted that initially the turbocharge was not free to rotate, but once freed it rotated without resistance. The accident is consistent with a loss of engine power due to a fuel injector line not being connected. This is likely due to maintenance personnel not adequately tightening the No. 6 cylinder fuel injector line during the recent maintenance. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• — Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-(general)-(general)-Incorrect service/maintenance
• — Personnel issues-Task performance-Maintenance-Scheduled/routine maintenance-Maintenance personnel