Casualties unknown

Engine Failure During Agricultural Flight Leads to Crash After Load Jettison (N9639J)

Marshall, MO, US

On June 27, 1983, a Cessna T188C (registration N9639J) was involved in an aviation accident near Marshall, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue fracture of the crankshaft at the #3 main bearing journal. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced an engine failure while en route to spray, jettisoned its load, and subsequently impacted trees in a wooded pasture. Metallurgical analysis revealed a fatigue fracture of the crankshaft.

Incident Summary

An agricultural aircraft experienced an engine failure while en route to a spraying operation. The aircraft was observed to jettison its load before impacting trees in a wooded pasture. No further details about the operation or pilot actions were provided in the source.

Metallurgical Examination Findings

A metallurgical examination of the engine revealed that the crankshaft, part number 631716, had fractured due to fatigue progression. The fatigue crack propagated through the forward cheek of the #3 main bearing journal. Initiation of the fatigue crack occurred at a location 0.047 inches below the forward radius surface. No metallurgical abnormalities were detected at the origin site of the fracture.

Probable cause

Fatigue fracture of the crankshaft at the #3 main bearing journal.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43474. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.