Pilot Debrief

BEECH A36 near Slaton, TX — 2010-03-05

Final reportCEN10LA140
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Date
2010-03-05
Location
Slaton, TX, USA
Aircraft
BEECH A36
Registration
N2036Y
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to the insufficient clamping force between the two crankcase halves and each cylinder to the crankcase.

NTSB narrative

While at 5,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot heard a loud explosion and the left front engine cowling blew open. Shortly thereafter the engine stopped producing power and the pilot executed a forced landing to a flat plowed field. The No. 2 cylinder was found separated from the engine crankcase. A postaccident engine teardown examination revealed that there had been an insufficient clamping force between the crankcase halves and between each cylinder and the crankcase. In particular, the No. 2 crankcase cylinder deck exhibited signatures consistent with the No. 2 cylinder vibrating back and forth before it exited the engine case. At the time of the accident, the engine had accumulated approximately 1,072 hours since major overhaul and 641 hours since a top overhaul.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Use proper torque specifications during engine overhaul to prevent failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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