On December 1, 1990, a Cessna S550 (registration N185SF) operated by Sovran Bank NA was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The gas generator failed due to spot weld fatigue failure, and the exiting gases under high pressure burst the outer bypass duct, causing explosion damage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aborted a night takeoff after the right engine exploded. Investigation revealed the gas generator failed due to spot weld fatigue, causing a duct rupture.
Incident Overview
During a night takeoff roll, the pilot aborted the departure after the right engine exploded. The aircraft had accelerated through 84 knots when the rupture occurred.
Examination Findings
Post-incident examination of the right engine revealed that the engine cowling was displaced approximately 12 inches from its normally installed position. Further inspection showed that the outer bypass duct and gas generator case had burst open from the 12:00 to 5:00 o'clock position.
Investigation Results
The investigation disclosed that the gas generator failed due to spot weld fatigue failure. The resulting high-pressure escaping gases burst the outer bypass duct, causing the explosion damage observed.
Probable cause
The gas generator failed due to spot weld fatigue failure, and the exiting gases under high pressure burst the outer bypass duct, causing explosion damage.
What happened in the 1 Dec 1990 Cessna S550 accident near Columbus, GA?
A pilot aborted a night takeoff after the right engine exploded. Investigation revealed the gas generator failed due to spot weld fatigue, causing a duct rupture.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 1 Dec 1990 involved a Cessna S550, registration N185SF, operated by Sovran Bank NA, at Columbus, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The gas generator failed due to spot weld fatigue failure, and the exiting gases under high pressure burst the outer bypass duct, causing explosion damage.
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