On September 26, 1984, a Cessna T210N (registration N6399Y) was involved in an aviation accident near San Augustine, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine failed because the crankshaft separated during flight due to high cyclic metal fatigue cracking originating in the radius at the forward end of the No. 3 main bearing journal. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot conducted a forced landing in a field after engine failure. The aircraft landed short, hit trees, and burned. Examination revealed the crankshaft separated from high cyclic metal fatigue cracking.
Incident Overview
The pilot of an aircraft on an IFR flight executed a forced landing in a field after the engine failed. During the landing, the aircraft touched down short of the intended touchdown point, struck trees, and experienced a hard impact. Subsequently, the aircraft caught fire and was consumed by flames.
Engine Examination Findings
A post-accident examination of the engine revealed that the crankshaft had separated during flight. The separation was caused by high cyclic metal fatigue cracking. The fatigue crack originated approximately 0.044 inch below the surface in the radius at the forward end of the No. 3 main bearing journal. The area of crack origin was found to be free of microstructural defects. The crankshaft complied with engineering specifications for material, hardness, and nitride thickness.
Probable cause
The engine failed because the crankshaft separated during flight due to high cyclic metal fatigue cracking originating in the radius at the forward end of the No. 3 main bearing journal.
What happened in the 26 Sept 1984 Cessna T210N accident near San Augustine, TX?
A pilot conducted a forced landing in a field after engine failure. The aircraft landed short, hit trees, and burned. Examination revealed the crankshaft separated from high cyclic metal fatigue cracking.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Sept 1984 involved a Cessna T210N, registration N6399Y, at San Augustine, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The engine failed because the crankshaft separated during flight due to high cyclic metal fatigue cracking originating in the radius at the forward end of the No. 3 main bearing journal.
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