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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

February 23, 1996 · Cessna 172N · N6601D

Austin, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 23, 1996
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Austin, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N6601D
Operator
Canelas International Aviation
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA134

The pilot-rated student had completed a 'normal touch-and-go on runway 36 at Austin Executive Airpark. After turning crosswind and during climb to pattern altitude, the engine started 'surging and the entire airplane was violently shaking.' The flight instructor took the controls and executed a 180 degree turn to attempt to land downwind on runway 18. The aircraft 'overshot' the runway, descended through trees, and came to a stop inverted. Examination of the engine revealed the #3 connecting rod bolts were broken, the bolt boss was broken off, and the cap was bent. The #3 connecting rod bearings were found destroyed.

NTSB Probable Cause

the partial loss of engine power due to the failure of the #3 connecting rod. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Full Narrative

On February 23, 1996, about 1630 central standard time, a Cessna 172N, N6601D, operated by Canelas International Aviation as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Austin, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The flight instructor and the private pilot rated student were seriously injured. The flight originated from Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, Austin, Texas, about 30 minutes before the accident. The flight instructor reported to the FAA inspector and in the Pilot/Operator Report the following information. The pilot rated student had completed a "normal touch-and-go on runway 36 at Austin Executive Airpark. After turning crosswind and during climb to pattern altitude, the engine started "surging and the entire airplane was violently shaking." The flight instructor took the controls and executed a 180 degree turn to attempt to land downwind on runway 18. The aircraft "overshot" the runway, descended through trees, and came to a stop inverted. Examination of the aircraft wreckage by the FAA inspector revealed the following. Both wing fuel tanks contained only residual fuel; however, there was evidence of fuel leakage. The left wing was separated from the fuselage, the left main landing gear was separated, the nose landing gear was folded under, and the left side of the cabin was crushed inward. One propeller blade had no damage and the other propeller blade exhibited "S" bending. The engine was examined by the NTSB at Air Salvage of Dallas on March 27 and May 2, 1996. The examination revealed that the #3 connecting rod bolts were broken, the bolt boss was broken off, and the cap was bent. The #3 connecting rod bearings were found destroyed. (See the enclosed manufacturer's teardown report) Repeated attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, from the private pilot rated student were unsuccessful.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN6601D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCanelas International Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 21 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data