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NTSB Report
February 23, 1989 · North American AT-6 · N6972C
Compton, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 23, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Compton, CA
Aircraft
North American AT-6
Tail Number
N6972C
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX89LA114
AT THE BEGINNING OF A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT, JUST AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER. WIRES WERE STRUCK DURING A FORCED LANDING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE NUMBER FIVE CYLINDER WAS CRACKED IN TWO PARTS. A METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THREE SEPARATE FATIGUE CRACKS EXISTED PRIOR TO THE FINAL BREAK. COMBUSTION BY-PRODUCTS WERE NOTED IN THE CRACKS AND ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CYLINDER IN THE AREA OF THE CRACKS.
NTSB Probable Cause
FATIGUE CRACKS THAT EXISTED IN AN ENGINE CYLINDER.
Full Narrative
AT THE BEGINNING OF A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT, JUST AFTER TAKEOFF, THE ENGINE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER. WIRES WERE STRUCK DURING A FORCED LANDING ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE NUMBER FIVE CYLINDER WAS CRACKED IN TWO PARTS. A METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THREE SEPARATE FATIGUE CRACKS EXISTED PRIOR TO THE FINAL BREAK. COMBUSTION BY-PRODUCTS WERE NOTED IN THE CRACKS AND ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CYLINDER IN THE AREA OF THE CRACKS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 PST
Nearest AirportCOMPTON (0nm N)
Runway25
Runway Length3600 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftNorth American AT-6
Tail NumberN6972C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R-1340-AN-1 · Reciprocating · 600
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO