Pilot Debrief

CESSNA U206C near Chitina, AK — 2014-06-09

Final reportANC14LA040
Sign in to save
Date
2014-06-09
Location
Chitina, AK, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA U206C
Registration
N29137
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The failure of the engine’s No. 1 piston connecting rod retaining bolts due to fatigue, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during cruise flight.

NTSB narrative

While in level cruise on the scheduled passenger flight, the airline transport pilot heard a loud "bang," followed by a quieter "bang" and a total loss of engine power. He conducted a forced landing to a densely-wooded area, during which the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and horizontal stabilizer. A visual examination of the engine revealed a crack in the crankcase. A subsequent examination of the No. 1 piston assembly revealed fatigue fractures in both connecting rod retaining bolts. Additional internal damage to the engine was found to be consistent with damage caused by the release of the connecting rod from the crankcase.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

Related mishaps