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NTSB Report
August 7, 1987 · Cessna 206G · N8873Q
Georgetown, TX
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 7, 1987
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Georgetown, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 206G
Tail Number
N8873Q
Operator
Air Express
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW87FA190
TEARDOWN OF THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE ENGINE COUNTERWEIGHT VIBRATION DAMPER ASSEMBLY WAS OUT OF TOLERANCE. THIS ALLOWED EXCESSIVE ENGINE VIBRATION WHICH RESULTED IN FAILURE OF THE CAMSHAFT DRIVE GEAR AND TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING INTO A WOODED AREA. ALTITUDE WOULD NOT ALLOW HIM TO REACH THE GEORGETOWN AIRPORT AND THE PILOT STATED THAT HE STALLED THE AIRCRAFT AND ALLOWED IT TO SETTLE INTO THE TREES TO MINIMIZE IMPACT SPEED. THE AIRCRAFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH ONE PASSENGER SEAT AND TWO PAESENGERS WERE ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT AT IMPACT. THE PASSENGER JUMPSEAT NORMALLY IN THE REAR OF THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN REMOVED. THE SECOND PASSENGER WAS SITTING IN THE CARGO AREA BEHIND THE CREW COMPARTMENT.
Full Narrative
TEARDOWN OF THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE ENGINE COUNTERWEIGHT VIBRATION DAMPER ASSEMBLY WAS OUT OF TOLERANCE. THIS ALLOWED EXCESSIVE ENGINE VIBRATION WHICH RESULTED IN FAILURE OF THE CAMSHAFT DRIVE GEAR AND TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING INTO A WOODED AREA. ALTITUDE WOULD NOT ALLOW HIM TO REACH THE GEORGETOWN AIRPORT AND THE PILOT STATED THAT HE STALLED THE AIRCRAFT AND ALLOWED IT TO SETTLE INTO THE TREES TO MINIMIZE IMPACT SPEED. THE AIRCRAFT WAS EQUIPPED WITH ONE PASSENGER SEAT AND TWO PAESENGERS WERE ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT AT IMPACT. THE PASSENGER JUMPSEAT NORMALLY IN THE REAR OF THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN REMOVED. THE SECOND PASSENGER WAS SITTING IN THE CARGO AREA BEHIND THE CREW COMPARTMENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time01:45 CDT
Nearest AirportGeorgetown (0nm N)
Runway36
Runway Length4100 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 206G
Tail NumberN8873Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAir Express
Operating RulePart 135
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-520-F · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 30 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind190° @ 7 kt
Visibility12 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time05:50
Weather SourceWFAC