Pilot Debrief

Waco YMF-5C near Bar Harbor, ME — 2019-06-22

Final reportCEN19LA204
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Date
2019-06-22
Location
Bar Harbor, ME, USA
Aircraft
Waco YMF-5C
Registration
N63WC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to a cylinder failure for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

About 15 minutes into the air tour flight, the pilot heard a loud “crack/bang” from the front of the airplane, followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing to wet, marshy terrain, during which the left wing impacted a tree and the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the wings. One of the radial engine’s cylinders was fractured at the barrel head joint, which resulted in the loss of engine power. The airplane was operated without engine cowling installed. According to the airplane’s owner, the cowling assists with engine cooling in vintage radial engines. The airplane was not examined after the accident and the reason for the cylinder failure was not determined.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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