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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

November 19, 1993 · Cessna U206F · N8260Q

Tampa, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 19, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Tampa, FL
Aircraft
Cessna U206F
Tail Number
N8260Q
Operator
Red Baron Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA94LA024

AFTER DEPARTURE ON INITIAL CLIMB THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING TO WATER. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THE NO.3 CYLINDER CONNECTING ROD BOLTS HAD FAILED. THE COMPANY DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE STATED HE REUSED THE CONNECTING ROD BOLTS AT THE LAST ENGINE OVERHAUL AND DID NOT INSPECT THEM AS REQUIRED BY THE MANUFACTURER'S ENGINE OVERHAUL MANUAL.

NTSB Probable Cause

WAS THE IMPROPER OVERHAUL AND INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE BY COMPANY MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL.

Full Narrative

On November 19, 1993, about 0748 eastern standard time, N8260Q, a Cessna U206F, operated by Red Baron Aviation, as a 14 CFR Part 135 on demand, domestic, cargo flight, crashed in Tampa Bay, after takeoff from Tampa International Airport, Tampa, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and an IFR flight plan was filed and activated. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot and an observer reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that after departure the airplane did not appear to climb normally and the engine then began to lose power. He then executed a forced landing to Tampa Bay and the airplane flipped and sank. Examination of the engine by FAA personnel revealed that the No. 3 connecting rod had become loose and the connecting rod bolts were found failed. Examination of the failed bolts was accomplished by the NTSB metallurgical laboratory. The bolts were badly smeared and no determination of the failure sequence was possible. The director of maintenance at Red Baron stated that when he accomplished the recent engine overhaul in July 1993, he reused the connecting rod bolts without inspection by magnaflux as required by the manufacturer's overhaul manual.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:48 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna U206F
Tail NumberN8260Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRed Baron Aviation
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-F · Reciprocating · 300
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 63 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 66 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:40
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data