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The pilot of a piper PA32 landed for fuel; and as a precaution removed the engine cowling to inspect the engine. Others assisted him in re-installing the cowling; but not having been latched properly; came loose just after takeoff and sustained damage; but did not depart the aircraft. The pilot immediately returned to land; and grounded the aircraft to await the necessary repairs.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1097537 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201306 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1201-1800 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZZZ.Airport |
| State Reference | US |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | VMC |
| Light | Daylight |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | PA-32 Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga/6X |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 91 |
| Flight Phase | Takeoff |
| Route In Use | None |
| Flight Plan | None |
| Component | |
| Aircraft Component | Cowling |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Single Pilot |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Instrument Flight Crew Private |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 28 Flight Crew Total 525 Flight Crew Type 385 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical Deviation - Procedural Published Material / Policy |
Narrative:
I landed for fuel; and as a precautionary measure to inspect the engine due to a solitary sound I heard in flight. While all engine indicators and monitors were in the green; I elected the cautious safe action. I removed the cowling with assistance; and replaced it after my inspection showed no abnormalities. After fueling; I preflighted the plane and proceeded to takeoff. Immediately on rotation; the right side of the cowling dislodged; remaining attached to the fuselage by the aft and left connections. My airspeed and altitude dictated insufficient runway remaining to land. I executed a series of turns to establish an approach to the runway; and executed a landing without difficulty. Determining that the cowling sustained damage in the forms of cracks in the fiberglass where it was displaced; I elected no further flight; hangared the plane and took the cowling for repair. Reflecting on the above events; I realize I missed the right two latches not being engaged in my preflight; causing the event. Contributing factors included distraction from my routine by others wishing to assist me. Future corrections will include completing my preflight in a sterile environment cleared of distractions.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: The pilot of a Piper PA32 landed for fuel; and as a precaution removed the engine cowling to inspect the engine. Others assisted him in re-installing the cowling; but not having been latched properly; came loose just after takeoff and sustained damage; but did not depart the aircraft. The pilot immediately returned to land; and grounded the aircraft to await the necessary repairs.
Narrative: I landed for fuel; and as a precautionary measure to inspect the engine due to a solitary sound I heard in flight. While all engine indicators and monitors were in the green; I elected the cautious safe action. I removed the cowling with assistance; and replaced it after my inspection showed no abnormalities. After fueling; I preflighted the plane and proceeded to takeoff. Immediately on rotation; the right side of the cowling dislodged; remaining attached to the fuselage by the aft and left connections. My airspeed and altitude dictated insufficient runway remaining to land. I executed a series of turns to establish an approach to the runway; and executed a landing without difficulty. Determining that the cowling sustained damage in the forms of cracks in the fiberglass where it was displaced; I elected no further flight; hangared the plane and took the cowling for repair. Reflecting on the above events; I realize I missed the right two latches not being engaged in my preflight; causing the event. Contributing factors included distraction from my routine by others wishing to assist me. Future corrections will include completing my preflight in a sterile environment cleared of distractions.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.