Pilot Debrief

AERO COMMANDER S2R near Cuthbert, GA — 2019-07-25

Final reportERA19LA238
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Date
2019-07-25
Location
Cuthbert, GA, USA
Aircraft
AERO COMMANDER S2R
Registration
N5680X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

The failure of the No. 1 bearing due to fatigue which resulted in a partial loss of engine power. The reason for the bearing failure could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, about 5 minutes after takeoff, at an altitude about 500 ft above ground level, the engine lost partial power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage. Examination of the engine revealed that the compressor front support (No. 1) bearing had failed, resulting in compressor rotor misalignment. The rotor misalignment resulted in severe impeller-to-shroud rub, including wear-through in several locations, flow disruption, and the engine power loss. The reason for the bearing failure could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after initial loss of airspeed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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