Pilot Debrief

BKF Backcountry Supercub near Casper, WY — 2018-11-19

Final reportWPR19LA029
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Date
2018-11-19
Location
Casper, WY, USA
Airport
CPR
Aircraft
BKF Backcountry Supercub
Registration
N59BK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The seizure of two bearings in the reduction gearbox, resulting in the total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was a high descent rate which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was flight testing the airplane to evaluate an experimental diesel engine reduction gearbox. During the takeoff, as the airplane climbed above 500 ft above ground level, the pilot increased engine power, but a total loss of engine power occurred shortly afterward. The pilot initiated a left descending turn to return to the runway. During the landing sequence, the airplane had a high descent rate. The airplane touched down hard, resulting in the separation of the left main landing gear axle and substantial damage to the left wing lift strut. Postaccident examination of the engine reduction gearbox found that two propeller shaft bearings inside the reduction gearbox seized, causing the total loss of engine power.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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