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NTSB Report
October 16, 1991 · Piper PA-18 · N3850Z
Montague Island, AK
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 16, 1991
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Montague Island, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA-18
Tail Number
N3850Z
Operator
Monnett Charles W
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC92FA005
DURING CRUISE FLIGHT, THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. WITH NO SUITABLE LANDING AREA ON THE BEACH, THE PILOT DITCHED IN THE OCEAN AND SWAM ASHORE ABOUT 1/2 MILE AWAY. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT HAD BROKEN AT THE FORWARD CHEEK OF THE #3 MAIN BEARING. A REDDISH SEALANT RESIDUE WAS FOUND AROUND THE MAIN BEARING THRU STUD HOLES OF THE CRANKCASE. ACCORDING TO LYCOMING SERVICE INSTRUCTION #1125A, SEALANT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN APPLIED IN THIS AREA.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE POWER LOSS DUE TO THE CRANKSHAFT FAILURE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS IMPROPER MAINTENANCE DURING THE LAST ENGINE OVERHAUL.
Full Narrative
DURING CRUISE FLIGHT, THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. WITH NO SUITABLE LANDING AREA ON THE BEACH, THE PILOT DITCHED IN THE OCEAN AND SWAM ASHORE ABOUT 1/2 MILE AWAY. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT HAD BROKEN AT THE FORWARD CHEEK OF THE #3 MAIN BEARING. A REDDISH SEALANT RESIDUE WAS FOUND AROUND THE MAIN BEARING THRU STUD HOLES OF THE CRANKCASE. ACCORDING TO LYCOMING SERVICE INSTRUCTION #1125A, SEALANT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN APPLIED IN THIS AREA.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:55 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPiper PA-18
Tail NumberN3850Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMonnett Charles W
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 2 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO