Pilot Debrief

GULFSTREAM AMERICAN CORP. G-1159A near Farmingdale, NY — 2010-03-10

Final reportERA10IA170
Sign in to save
Date
2010-03-10
Location
Farmingdale, NY, USA
Airport
FRG
Aircraft
GULFSTREAM AMERICAN CORP. G-1159A
Registration
N155MM
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

Progressive cracking from an undetermined initiation source, which resulted in the failure of the No. 4 cabin window outer pane, and the subsequent foreign object ingestion to the right engine.

NTSB narrative

The pilot-in-command stated that while passing through 35,000 feet mean sea level, the flightcrew heard a sound similar to a compressor stall, followed by a loss of power to the right engine. He immediately declared an emergency with air traffic control and initiated the checklist items for engine shutdown in-flight. Shortly thereafter, the cabin service representative informed him that the No. 4 outer window pane on the right side of the airplane had separated. The flightcrew made a visual approach back to the departure airport and landed without further incident. A bore scope examination of the engine revealed that it had experienced a compressor stall and flamed out as a result of debris from the No. 4 outer window pane being ingested into the engine. Review of the airplane logbooks revealed that all required inspections had been conducted on the window and no anomalies were noted. Further examination of the window revealed fractures in the outer pane, which originated from an area of preexisting progressive cracking, emanating from the exterior surface of the window. The initial cause of the cracking could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure

NTSB coding

  • Part(s) separation from AC · Enroute-climb to cruise

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 14 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents14

Related mishaps