Pilot Debrief

REMOS AIRCRAFT GMBH REMOS GX near Glendale, AZ — 2023-04-18

Final reportWPR23LA160
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Date
2023-04-18
Location
Glendale, AZ, USA
Airport
GEU
Aircraft
REMOS AIRCRAFT GMBH REMOS GX
Registration
N21GX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power caused by fatigue cracking and fracture of the crankshaft. Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to properly maintain the airplane.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the operator’s failure to properly maintain the airplane.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the engine rpm began to fluctuate after lifting off following a touch-and-go landing. The student pilot adjusted the throttle lever and continued the climb. Despite his efforts, the engine rpm continued to decrease and shortly thereafter, the engine and propeller suddenly stopped. The student pilot initiated a forced landing near a road, subsequently impacting terrain. Examination of the engine revealed the crankshaft was found separated at the No. 3 connecting rod journal. The separated surface areas revealed a fatigue crack that initiated at the journal surface close to the radius transition to a cheek. The fatigue crack propagated partially through the thickness of the crankshaft. The terminus of the fatigue crack could not be identified due to contact damage to the fracture face. The engine manufacturer’s recommended time between overhaul (TBO) is 1,500 hours. The engine total time since new was 2,856 hours, with no record of an overhaul. The excessive operational time on the crankshaft likely lead to the fatigue crack and ultimate failure of the crankshaft.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted the flight after engine rpm fluctuations.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Video
  • 9 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents9

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