Pilot Debrief

Cirrus SR22 near Kenansville, NC — 2020-01-02

Final reportERA20LA064
Sign in to save
Date
2020-01-02
Location
Kenansville, NC, USA
Aircraft
Cirrus SR22
Registration
N323SR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A fatigue failure of the camshaft due to a manufacturing defect, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during a cross-country flight, he heard a pop from the engine, and it subsequently stopped producing power; however, the engine continued to run, and the propeller continued to rotate. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the loss of power; however, power was not restored. Subsequently, the pilot activated the airplane’s parachute system and the airplane impacted trees and terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. Postacccident examination of the engine revealed that the camshaft fractured at one of its four oil transfer holes. As a result, camshaft continuity was lost, and the engine was partially unable to produce power. Forensic examination of the fracture surface revealed that the fracture occurred due to fatigue that initiated from a burr at the corner of an oil transfer hole. The extent of fatigue crack growth through the cross-section suggested the overall torsion load on the camshaft was relatively low as the crack grew. However, a burr at the edge of a hole is a feature that is known to reduce component fatigue life. The burr was deformed and coated, consistent with forming during a peening operation and before the manganese phosphate coating had been applied. A similar burr was also observed on the adjacent oil transfer hole in the camshaft. The presence of a burr suggests the corner of the hole was not properly broken before the part was peened during manufacturing, leading to deformation of a sharp corner during the peening operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked engine parameters sooner after initial power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents14

Related mishaps