Pilot Debrief

BEECH V35 near Nacogdoches, TX — 2009-09-20

Final reportCEN09IA595
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Date
2009-09-20
Location
Nacogdoches, TX, USA
Aircraft
BEECH V35
Registration
N97500
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The complete loss of engine power due to failure of the number two connecting rod. The reason for the connecting rod failure could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

While in cruise flight the airplane's engine experienced a catastrophic failure. The pilot attempted to glide to a local airport, but was unable. While performing the forced landing to a vacant parking lot the airplane's upper windscreen impacted a static wire; however, the pilot was able to land successfully with minor damage to the airplane. Approximately 12 quarts of oil were drained from the engine sump before a tear down examination was performed. The examination revealed that the number two and four connecting rods had separated from the crankshaft. The number two connecting rod cap and rod cap bearings were thermally discolored, and the two rod cap bolts were found separated. Impact signatures on the number four connecting rod were constant with a secondary failure. The reason for the number two rod cap thermal discoloration and subsequent rod failure could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Engine failure during cruise; pilot could have checked engine condition pre-flight.

NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (total) · Enroute
  • Engine Failure Enroute

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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