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NTSB Report
March 15, 1985 · Douglas DC-6B · N55CA
Miami, FL
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Incident
Date
March 15, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Miami, FL
Aircraft
Douglas DC-6B
Tail Number
N55CA
Operator
Apa International Air S A
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
MIA85IA120
CREW STATED THAT ON TAKEOFF ROLL THE NUMBER FOUR ENGINE FAILED AND AN ABORTED TAKEOFF WAS INTIATED. DURING THE DECELLERATION AFTER THE THROTTLES WERE CLOSED THE NUMBER FOUR ENGINE SEIZED AND THE NUMBER FOUR PROPELLER SEPARATED WHEN THE PROPELLER SHAFT FAILED. INSPECTION OF THE PROPELLER SHAFT REVEALED IT SHEARED OFF EIGHT INCHES FROM THE TIP,AND EXHIBITED NO EVIDENCE OF A PRIOR CRACK. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE OIL SCREENS REVEALED THE PRECENTS OF METAL CONTAMINATION. THE OPERATOR HAD NO PLANS TO DISASSEMBLE THE ENGINE. BUT PLANNED TO EXCHANGE IT FOR AN OVERHAULED ENGINE. THE EXPCT CAUSE OF THE ENGINES INTERNAL FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED.
Full Narrative
CREW STATED THAT ON TAKEOFF ROLL THE NUMBER FOUR ENGINE FAILED AND AN ABORTED TAKEOFF WAS INTIATED. DURING THE DECELLERATION AFTER THE THROTTLES WERE CLOSED THE NUMBER FOUR ENGINE SEIZED AND THE NUMBER FOUR PROPELLER SEPARATED WHEN THE PROPELLER SHAFT FAILED. INSPECTION OF THE PROPELLER SHAFT REVEALED IT SHEARED OFF EIGHT INCHES FROM THE TIP,AND EXHIBITED NO EVIDENCE OF A PRIOR CRACK. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE OIL SCREENS REVEALED THE PRECENTS OF METAL CONTAMINATION. THE OPERATOR HAD NO PLANS TO DISASSEMBLE THE ENGINE. BUT PLANNED TO EXCHANGE IT FOR AN OVERHAULED ENGINE. THE EXPCT CAUSE OF THE ENGINES INTERNAL FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED.
Flight
Event TypeIncident
Event Time02:55 EST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDouglas DC-6B
Tail NumberN55CA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorApa International Air S A
Operating RulePart 129
Engines4
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsP&W · R2800-CB16/17 · Reciprocating · 2400
Seats5
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 58 · First Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 61 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time07:50
Weather SourceWFAC