On February 23, 1989, a North American AT-6 (registration N6972C) was involved in an aviation accident near Compton, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FATIGUE CRACKS THAT EXISTED IN AN ENGINE CYLINDER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a local pleasure flight, the engine lost power shortly after takeoff. The aircraft struck wires during a forced landing on a residential street. Investigation found the number five cylinder fractured due to pre-existing fatigue cracks.
Incident Overview
A local pleasure flight experienced an engine power loss at the beginning of the flight, just after takeoff. The aircraft subsequently executed a forced landing onto a residential street, during which it struck wires.
Engine Inspection
Post-incident examination of the engine revealed that the number five cylinder had fractured into two separate pieces. A metallurgical analysis indicated that three independent fatigue cracks existed in the cylinder prior to its final break. Combustion by-products were observed within the cracks and on the exterior surface of the cylinder in the vicinity of the cracks.
Additional Observations
No other details regarding the aircraft, operator, or individuals involved were provided in the source material.
