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November 23, 2006 · Nanchang CJ-6A · N8181C

Queen Creek, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 23, 2006
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Queen Creek, AZ
Aircraft
Nanchang CJ-6A
Tail Number
N8181C
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX07LA045

The airplane experienced a loss of engine power and collided with a berm during a forced landing on a private airstrip. The pilot stated that during the flight he experienced problems with the engine's air compressor. Several minutes later he experienced a total loss of power. He opted to perform a forced landing at an abandoned airstrip. While on the landing roll, the airplane encountered a berm and the landing gear collapsed. The compressor and gearbox assembly were examined by a maintenance facility. The accessory gearbox had failed as a result of the air compressor piston seizing. The inhibited movement of the gearbox resulted in the failure of the oil pump, fuel pump, air compressor, and tachometer generator.

NTSB Probable Cause

The total loss of engine power resulting from the failure of the engine's air compressor due to a seized piston, which resulted in the stoppage of the oil pump, fuel pump, and tachometer generator, in addition to the compressor. The underlying reason for the piston seizure and air compressor failure is undetermined.

Full Narrative

On November 23, 2006, about 1230 mountain standard time, a Nanchang CJ-6A, N8181C, experienced a loss of engine power and collided with a berm during a forced landing on a private airstrip near Queen Creek, Arizona. The pilot/owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The personal local area flight departed from Falcon Field, Mesa, Arizona, about 1200. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot stated that while maneuvering in the vicinity of Flacon Filed, he experienced problems with the engine driven air compressor. Several minutes later he experienced a total loss of power. He opted to perform a forced landing at an abandoned airstrip located 16 miles southeast from Falcon Field. While on the landing roll, the airplane encountered a berm and the right main gear collapsed. The left main landing gear and nose gear subsequently collapsed, resulting in damage to the wings. With the approval of the Safety Board IIC, the pilot had the compressor and gearbox assembly examined by a maintenance facility. A mechanic found that the accessory gearbox had failed, as a result of the air compressor piston seizing in the cavity. The inhibited movement resulted in the failure of the oil pump, fuel pump, air compressor, and tachometer generator. The Safety Board IIC spoke with several airplane mechanics at maintenance facilities specializing in Nanchang airplanes. The mechanics all reported that they had never seen an incident of an air compressor failure. A search of the Service Difficulty Report (SDR) database further revealed no evidence of such an occurrence happening previously.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 MST
Nearest AirportFalcon Field (16nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNanchang CJ-6A
Tail NumberN8181C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsHuosai · 6JA · Reciprocating · 285
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 4 kt
Visibility40 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point34 C
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time19:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data