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NTSB Report
March 14, 1985 · Cessna 152 · N67399
Norwalk, IA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 14, 1985
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Norwalk, IA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N67399
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MKC85LA071
APPROACHING DES MOINES AIRPORT THE PLT RPTD TO APPROACH CONTROL OF ENG PROBLEMS AND WANTED TO KNOW WHAT AIRPORT WAS CLOSE FOR AN PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO LAND AT AN AIRSTRIP 3 MI EAST OF HIS PRESENT POSN. UNABLE TO LAND AT THE AIRSTRIP THE ACFT MADE A LANDING TO A FIELD WHERE IT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. INSPECTION OF THE ENG REVEALED A BROKEN CRANKSHAFT IDLER GEAR. FATIGUE PROGRESSION WAS EVIDENT ON THE FRACTURE SURFACES EXAMINED. ALSO NOTED WAS AN ELLIPTICAL DEFORMATION OF THE THREADED PORTION OF THE RETAINING BOLT BELOW THE BOLT HEAD. THIS DEFORMATION WAS OF THE SAME THICKNESS AS THE BOLTFLANGE AND LOCKNUT PLATE. VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE FRACTURE SURFACES GAVE NO EVIDENCE OF UNUSUAL CONTACT OR WEAR PATTERN PRIOR TO FAILURE.
Full Narrative
APPROACHING DES MOINES AIRPORT THE PLT RPTD TO APPROACH CONTROL OF ENG PROBLEMS AND WANTED TO KNOW WHAT AIRPORT WAS CLOSE FOR AN PRECAUTIONARY LANDING. AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO LAND AT AN AIRSTRIP 3 MI EAST OF HIS PRESENT POSN. UNABLE TO LAND AT THE AIRSTRIP THE ACFT MADE A LANDING TO A FIELD WHERE IT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. INSPECTION OF THE ENG REVEALED A BROKEN CRANKSHAFT IDLER GEAR. FATIGUE PROGRESSION WAS EVIDENT ON THE FRACTURE SURFACES EXAMINED. ALSO NOTED WAS AN ELLIPTICAL DEFORMATION OF THE THREADED PORTION OF THE RETAINING BOLT BELOW THE BOLT HEAD. THIS DEFORMATION WAS OF THE SAME THICKNESS AS THE BOLTFLANGE AND LOCKNUT PLATE. VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE FRACTURE SURFACES GAVE NO EVIDENCE OF UNUSUAL CONTACT OR WEAR PATTERN PRIOR TO FAILURE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:09 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN67399
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 25 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 17 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 30 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time16:51
Weather SourceWFAC