On December 17, 1993, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N5065G) operated by Burdick, Frank E. was involved in an aviation accident near Westcliffe, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the number two correcting rod bearing, which resulted in the rod exiting the engine case and subsequent engine seizure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Smoke entered the cockpit two minutes after takeoff, followed by engine seizure. The pilot attempted a forced landing in mountainous terrain, resulting in a nose-over crash.
What happened
The aircraft was airborne for approximately two minutes when the pilot observed smoke entering the cockpit. This event was immediately followed by a complete seizure of the engine. In response to the mechanical failure, the pilot executed a forced landing in mountainous terrain. Upon touchdown, the aircraft nosed over.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed that the number two correcting rod bearing had failed. This structural failure caused the rod to exit through the engine case, leading to the loss of power.
Probable cause
The failure of the number two correcting rod bearing, which resulted in the rod exiting the engine case and subsequent engine seizure.
What happened in the 17 Dec 1993 Bellanca 8KCAB accident near Westcliffe, CO?
Smoke entered the cockpit two minutes after takeoff, followed by engine seizure. The pilot attempted a forced landing in mountainous terrain, resulting in a nose-over crash.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Dec 1993 involved a Bellanca 8KCAB, registration N5065G, operated by Burdick, Frank E., at Westcliffe, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the number two correcting rod bearing, which resulted in the rod exiting the engine case and subsequent engine seizure.
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