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Engine Crankshaft Failure Leads to Forced Landing in Strip Mine (N90AD)

Hazard, KY, US

On February 23, 1996, a Cessna P210N (registration N90AD) operated by Robert H. Kline was involved in an aviation accident near Hazard, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the engine crankshaft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported a total loss of engine power at 6,000 feet MSL. Despite restart attempts, a forced landing was made in a strip mine, resulting in substantial aircraft damage. An engine teardown revealed a crankshaft failure near the two rear cylinders.

Incident Overview

The pilot of the airplane reported that while cruising at 6,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), the engine suddenly lost all power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine by switching fuel tanks and activating the boost pumps, but these efforts were unsuccessful. A forced landing was executed in a strip mine, where the aircraft came to rest with substantial damage.

Investigation Findings

An Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the engine after the incident. A teardown of the engine revealed that the crankshaft had failed in the vicinity of the two rear cylinders. The engine had accumulated 913 hours of operation since its last major overhaul.

Probable cause

Failure of the engine crankshaft.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Feb 1996 Cessna P210N accident near Hazard, KY?

A pilot reported a total loss of engine power at 6,000 feet MSL. Despite restart attempts, a forced landing was made in a strip mine, resulting in substantial aircraft damage. An engine teardown revealed a crankshaft failure near the two rear cylinders.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Feb 1996 involved a Cessna P210N, registration N90AD, operated by Robert H. Kline, at Hazard, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the engine crankshaft.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05269. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.