Pilot Debrief

WSK PZL MIELEC M-18A near Audubon, IA — 2009-08-18

Final reportCEN09LA534
Sign in to save
Date
2009-08-18
Location
Audubon, IA, USA
Airport
ADU
Aircraft
WSK PZL MIELEC M-18A
Registration
N2065B
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to failure of the compressor turbine resulting from exposure to elevated operating temperatures for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he noticed the engine was “low on power” during the takeoff. However, there was not sufficient runway remaining to reject the takeoff. He added that “at lift off, the engine lost more power” and he was unable to remain airborne. The pilot landed in a corn field about 500 feet from the end of the runway. A teardown examination of the engine revealed that portions of the compressor turbine blades were separated and fragmented. Metallic deposits (“metal splatter”) were observed on the compressor turbine blades, shroud, and guide vanes. Metallurgical examination of the compressor turbine blades did not reveal any material anomalies. No evidence of blade creep was observed. The damage to the compressor turbine, in conjunction with a lack of any material defects, is consistent with a short term exposure to elevated operating temperatures. The reason for the exposure to elevated temperatures was not determined. Damage to the engine power turbine section was likely as a result of the accident sequence.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have rejected the takeoff when engine power was low.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

Related mishaps