Pilot Debrief

RONALD A GAWER RV-12 near Byron, CA — 2020-11-06

Final reportWPR21LA049
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Date
2020-11-06
Location
Byron, CA, USA
Airport
C83
Aircraft
RONALD A GAWER RV-12
Registration
N975G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to a fatigue fracture of the crankshaft.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that after takeoff from runway 23, about 466 ft above ground level, the engine “failed,” and he immediately turned back to land. The pilot landed with a direct gusting tailwind and applied hard braking; however, a gust of wind lifted the right wing, and the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The left wing struck a taxiway sign, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the crankshaft was fractured aft of the No. 2 connecting rod journal. The fracture surface exhibited signatures consistent with fatigue cracking that originated from multiple initiation sites along the radius between the connecting rod journal and the crankshaft web.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine failure instead of attempting a turn.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

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