On July 26, 1994, a Cessna T210M (registration N761TK) operated by Felts Field Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Rathdrum, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue crack in the crankshaft at the number 2 journal, with bearing inserts shifted aft and rubbing against the journal radius, leading to crankshaft failure and engine power loss. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During cruise, the engine lost power. A forced landing was made in an open field, and the airplane nosed over during the landing roll. Examination revealed a crankshaft break at the number 2 journal due to a fatigue crack and shifted bearing inserts.
Incident Overview
During cruise flight, the pilot reported that the engine lost power. A forced landing was executed to an open field. During the landing roll, the aircraft nosed over.
Investigation Findings
Following the incident, an inspection of the engine was performed. The inspection found that the crankshaft had broken at the number 2 journal. Further testing revealed a fatigue crack that emanated from the journal radius inward. Additionally, score marks were present, indicating that the bearing inserts had shifted aft during engine operation and were rubbing against the journal radius. These findings provided the state of the engine components after the incident.
No other factors were identified.
Probable cause
Fatigue crack in the crankshaft at the number 2 journal, with bearing inserts shifted aft and rubbing against the journal radius, leading to crankshaft failure and engine power loss.