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NTSB Report
April 13, 1989 · Grumman AA-5B · N28990
Siler City, NC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 13, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Siler City, NC
Aircraft
Grumman AA-5B
Tail Number
N28990
Operator
Wra
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL89LA126
WHILE IN CRUISE FLT THE ENGINE QUIT WITH A LOUD CLUNK. A FORCED LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED ON A HIGHWAY. THE ACFT DID NOT MAKE THE ROAD AND IT HIT AN EMBANKMENT. EXAM OF THE ENGINE REVEALED A BROKEN CRANKSHAFT AT THE FILLET BETWEEN THE NUMBER 4 CRANKPIN & THROW. THE NUMBER 4 CONNECTING ROD SHOWED EVIDENCE OF OVERHEATING. CRANKSHAFT END PLAY WAS FOUND TO BE ONE HALF INCH AT THE ACCESSORY END. ENGINE HAD RECEIVED MAJOR OVERHAUL 81 HOURS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE OF THE CRANKSHAFT.
NTSB Probable Cause
IMPROPER ENGINE OVERHAUL PROCEDURES WHICH RESULTED IN THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENGINE CRANKSHAFT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF A SUITABLE FORCED LANDING AREA.
Full Narrative
WHILE IN CRUISE FLT THE ENGINE QUIT WITH A LOUD CLUNK. A FORCED LANDING WAS ATTEMPTED ON A HIGHWAY. THE ACFT DID NOT MAKE THE ROAD AND IT HIT AN EMBANKMENT. EXAM OF THE ENGINE REVEALED A BROKEN CRANKSHAFT AT THE FILLET BETWEEN THE NUMBER 4 CRANKPIN & THROW. THE NUMBER 4 CONNECTING ROD SHOWED EVIDENCE OF OVERHEATING. CRANKSHAFT END PLAY WAS FOUND TO BE ONE HALF INCH AT THE ACCESSORY END. ENGINE HAD RECEIVED MAJOR OVERHAUL 81 HOURS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE OF THE CRANKSHAFT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time05:15 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftGrumman AA-5B
Tail NumberN28990
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWra
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A4K · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
Wind230° @ 4 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 27 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time08:52
Weather SourceWFAC