Pilot Debrief

Crisman Flightstar IISC near Malta, IL — 2009-07-24

Final reportCEN09LA494
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Date
2009-07-24
Location
Malta, IL, USA
Aircraft
Crisman Flightstar IISC
Registration
N5008E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power due to the separation of the flywheel, resulting in a high-cycle fatigue fracture of the crankshaft following takeoff, which resulted in a forced landing on an agricultural field.

NTSB narrative

The experimental light sport airplane experienced a total loss of engine power after takeoff. The pilot then performed a forced landing to a corn field. Examination of the airplane revealed that the crankshaft had fractured near the engine flywheel due to the separation of the flywheel. The separated flywheel precluded further rotation of the crankshaft. Metallurgical examination of the flywheel separation revealed a high-cycle fatigue fracture of the crankshaft.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Replace flywheel before flight to prevent engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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