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Engine Crankshaft Fatigue Failure Leads to Forced Landing on Highway (N5021P)

Uriah, AL, US

On November 17, 1988, a Cessna 210B (registration N5021P) was involved in an aviation accident near Uriah, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue failure of the crankshaft at the #2 crank cheek, originating at the front corner of the #2 cheek lightening hole. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a complete power loss due to crankshaft fatigue failure, forcing a highway landing where the right wing struck tree limbs, causing the aircraft to veer off the road and down an embankment.

Incident Overview

While cruising at 6,500 feet, the engine lost power and the propeller stopped windmilling. The pilot elected to land on a highway. During the landing, the right wing struck overhanging tree limbs, which yawed the aircraft off the right side of the road and down an embankment.

Engine Examination

The engine was removed and disassembled. Examination revealed that the crankshaft had failed due to fatigue at the #2 crank cheek. The fatigue crack originated at the front corner of the #2 cheek lightening hole.

Crankshaft History

The engine was manufactured in 1961. In 1962, the manufacturer redesigned the crankshaft for this model of engine by eliminating the lightening hole. In May 1962, Continental Service Bulletin M62-8 advised of the availability of the improved crankshaft.

Maintenance History

The engine of N5021P was overhauled on July 21, 1975, at 1,486 hours total time. At that time, the crankshaft was removed, magnafluxed, and reinstalled. Time since overhaul was 695 hours. Total engine time was 2,181 hours.

Probable cause

Fatigue failure of the crankshaft at the #2 crank cheek, originating at the front corner of the #2 cheek lightening hole.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Nov 1988 Cessna 210B accident near Uriah, AL?

An aircraft experienced a complete power loss due to crankshaft fatigue failure, forcing a highway landing where the right wing struck tree limbs, causing the aircraft to veer off the road and down an embankment.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Nov 1988 involved a Cessna 210B, registration N5021P, at Uriah, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fatigue failure of the crankshaft at the #2 crank cheek, originating at the front corner of the #2 cheek lightening hole.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27198. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.