Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain crash, Aug 25, 2000 (1 killed)
Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain accident on August 25, 2000 near Hilo, Hawaii, United States with 1 fatality. Cause: Deterioration and extrusion of...
- Date: August 25, 2000
- Aircraft: Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain
- Location: Hilo, Hawaii, United States
- Fatalities: 1
- Phase of flight: Approach and landing
- Cause: Deterioration and extrusion of the right engine oil filter converter plate gasket, which sprayed oil into the accessory section, caused the engine fire and power loss. The gasket had been out of specification from a recent supplier change.
A Big Island Air Piper Navajo Chieftain on a charter flight from Kona lost power in its right engine in cruise after an oil converter plate gasket failed and an engine fire started. The pilot ditched in the Pacific Ocean near Hilo, and most occupants escaped through the doors before rescue by helicopter and boat. One passenger who could not swim died in the water.