Casualties unknown

Engine Failure and Fuselage Impact Marks During Flight (N2692P)

Grand Forks, ND, US

On June 25, 1996, a Fairchild SA227AC (registration N2692P) operated by Mesaba Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Forks, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: insufficient clearance between the second stage compressor impeller and the shroud. A factor was the subsequent fatigue failure of the impeller. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power on its number two engine at 5,000 feet. The crew declared an emergency and landed safely. Examination revealed impact marks on the fuselage and engine damage due to fatigue fractures.

Incident Overview

During a flight, the captain reported that the airplane was at 5,000 feet mean sea level with the propeller rpm at 100 percent and other engine indications normal. A loss of power on the number two engine was described as 'sudden and immediate.' The flightcrew declared an emergency and recovered visually to Grand Forks without further incident.

Crew Actions

Upon the sudden power loss, the flightcrew promptly declared an emergency. They successfully navigated the aircraft visually back to Grand Forks, where the landing was completed without further issues.

Aircraft Examination

Post-flight inspection of the airplane revealed eleven impact marks on the right side of the fuselage. Among these, two impacts penetrated the fuselage side.

Engine Examination

The engine examination showed evidence of overload failure and penetration of the gear box. Fatigue fractures were found in the second stage compressor impeller rim, originating from a heat-affected, rubbed area on the impeller blades. A corresponding rubbed area was evident on the impeller shroud, and aluminum material was fused to the titanium impeller. No evidence of material defects was noted.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05913. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.