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NTSB Report
April 11, 1992 · Maule M-5-210 · N51590
Atlanta, GA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Incident
Date
April 11, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Atlanta, GA
Aircraft
Maule M-5-210
Tail Number
N51590
Operator
Air Ads
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
ATL92IA078
THE PILOT WAS ENGAGED IN A BANNER TOWING OPERATION WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD BANG, AND THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. THE PILOT EXECUTED A SUCCESSFUL OFF AIRPORT LANDING IN A PARKING LOT. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT THE NUMBER THREE CYLINDER HAD FAILED AS A RESULT OF FATIGUE DUE TO HEAT STRESS. THE ENGINE WAS FOUND TO HAVE BEEN MODIFIED WITH AN ADDITIONAL OIL COOLER IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN OIL TEMPERATURE WITHIN OPERATING RANGE DURING BANNER TOW OPERATIONS.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE FAILURE OF THE ENGINE CYLINDER AS A RESULT OF CYLINDER OVERTEMPERATURE, WHICH RESULTED FROM THE IMPROPER PROCEDURE OF USE OF THE AIRCRAFT IN A BANNER TOWING OPERATION BY THE OPERATOR.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS ENGAGED IN A BANNER TOWING OPERATION WHEN HE HEARD A LOUD BANG, AND THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. THE PILOT EXECUTED A SUCCESSFUL OFF AIRPORT LANDING IN A PARKING LOT. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED THAT THE NUMBER THREE CYLINDER HAD FAILED AS A RESULT OF FATIGUE DUE TO HEAT STRESS. THE ENGINE WAS FOUND TO HAVE BEEN MODIFIED WITH AN ADDITIONAL OIL COOLER IN AN ATTEMPT TO MAINTAIN OIL TEMPERATURE WITHIN OPERATING RANGE DURING BANNER TOW OPERATIONS.
Flight
Event TypeIncident
Event Time19:15 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftMaule M-5-210
Tail NumberN51590
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorAir Ads
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-360-D33A · Reciprocating · 210
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind70° @ 7 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time22:51
Weather SourceWFAC