On August 19, 1995, a Cessna 188B (registration N731VX) was involved in an aviation accident near Raeford, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of the abutment seal which resulted in the fatigue failure of the cylinder head. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff, an airplane experienced engine power loss, prompting an aborted takeoff. The aircraft rolled off the sod runway and collided with trees. Investigation revealed fatigue failure of the cylinder head.
The incident took place as the aircraft was accelerating for its second takeoff. Shortly after commencing the ground roll, the engine lost power. The pilot responded by aborting the takeoff; however, the aircraft could not stop before the end of the sod runway. It departed the runway surface and struck trees.
Examination Findings
Post-occurrence examination of the engine assembly disclosed that the number one cylinder head had separated. A detailed fracture analysis identified a fatigue failure originating at the top thread of the cylinder head. According to the engine manufacturer, this fatigue failure mode has been observed in previous cylinder failures associated with the loss of the abutment seal between the cylinder head and barrel. The fatigue crack initiated at the threaded connection.
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