On August 7, 1992, an Air Tractor AT-301 (registration N3165A) operated by James W. Smith was involved in an aviation accident near Redwood, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the No. 3 cylinder exhaust housing due to fatigue at the press-fit bushing in the lug bore. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural pilot experienced engine roughness and power loss, leading to a forced landing in a field that damaged the gear and tail.
What happened
The pilot of an agricultural aircraft reported that the engine failed to develop full power and began running roughly during operation. In response to the mechanical issue, the pilot executed a forced landing into a soft field. The impact resulted in damage to the landing gear and the tail empennage.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators examined the aircraft's engine to determine the root cause of the power loss. The inspection revealed that the exhaust housing for cylinder number three had failed due to fatigue. This failure occurred specifically through the press-fit bushing located in the lug bore.
Probable cause
The failure of the No. 3 cylinder exhaust housing due to fatigue at the press-fit bushing in the lug bore.