Pilot Debrief

BOEING B75N1 near Elwood, NE — 2021-06-13

Final reportCEN21LA264
Sign in to save
Date
2021-06-13
Location
Elwood, NE, USA
Airport
2NE0
Aircraft
BOEING B75N1
Registration
N777JG
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The failure of the engine master rod, resulting in a total loss of engine power and a forced landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he heard a “loud bang” from the engine during cruise flight, which was followed by “severe vibration.” The pilot moved the throttle to idle, but the vibration got worse. The pilot then applied full throttle, and the engine seemed to run smoothly. However, the engine subsequently began to lose power, and the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. About 0.75 miles from the runway, the engine completely lost power, and the pilot executed a forced landing to a cornfield, during which the airplane nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the upper left wing and struts. Partial disassembly of the engine revealed that the master rod, that connects the piston in one cylinder to the crankshaft, had failed.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have performed an emergency landing sooner after engine issues began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps