On February 16, 1986, a Cessna 340A (registration N2743Y) operated by William M. Ring was involved in an aviation accident near Wheeling, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The reason for the engine power loss could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
According to the pilot, the left engine lost power at rotation. Unable to correct a left ground track deviation, he pulled the aircraft off the ground but it settled back, sustaining substantial damage. Engine teardown found discrepancies but they were not the cause.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that the left engine lost power at rotation during takeoff. He was unable to correct the subsequent left ground track deviation using right rudder input. To avoid obstacles near the runway edge, he pulled the aircraft off the ground. The aircraft then settled back onto the runway, sustaining substantial damage.
Engine Examination
A teardown of the engine was conducted to determine the cause of the power loss. The examination found a small hole in the fuel controller inlet screen and a variable absolute pressure controller that was out of calibration. The individuals who participated in the teardown stated that these discrepancies would not have produced the power loss described by the pilot.
Conclusion
The reason for the engine power loss could not be determined.
Probable cause
The reason for the engine power loss could not be determined.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Feb 1986 Cessna 340A accident near Wheeling, IL?
According to the pilot, the left engine lost power at rotation. Unable to correct a left ground track deviation, he pulled the aircraft off the ground but it settled back, sustaining substantial damage. Engine teardown found discrepancies but they were not the cause.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Feb 1986 involved a Cessna 340A, registration N2743Y, operated by William M. Ring, at Wheeling, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The reason for the engine power loss could not be determined.
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