No fatalities

Engine Failure During Climb Leads to Off-Airport Landing and Wing Damage (N1565A)

Mobile, AZ, US

On January 11, 2000, a Beech F-33A (registration N1565A) was involved in an aviation accident near Mobile, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the manufacturer representative's improper reinstallation of the crankshaft counterweight snap rings which subsequently separated, allowing the crankshaft counterweight to contact the crankshaft resulting in a total power loss of engine power. 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

During climb, the engine began shaking, rattling, and losing power. The flight instructor performed an emergency off-airport landing. Substantial damage occurred to the wing leading edges and lower surfaces during rollout.

Event Description

During the climb phase of flight, the engine experienced shaking, rattling, and a loss of power. The flight instructor assumed control of the aircraft and executed an emergency off-airport landing. During the rollout on the ground, the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the leading edges and lower surfaces of both wings.

Maintenance History

The engine had been previously inspected in accordance with TCM 99-3, a mandatory service bulletin that required the removal of the No. 1 and No. 3 cylinders. During reassembly of these cylinders, three snap rings on the crankshaft counterweights at the No. 2 and No. 5 cheeks were reinstalled. An inspection of the No. 5 cheek revealed that these three snap rings were not fully seated.

Mechanical Findings

Examination of the crankshaft and counterweight showed signatures consistent with a counterweight striking the crankshaft. According to the investigation, this condition can only occur if the counterweight pin is not in place. A revision to TCM mandatory service bulletin 99-3C, published on July 27, 1999, now requires that the gap between the snap ring ears be measured to ensure they are properly seated during reassembly.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Jan 2000 Beech F-33A accident near Mobile, AZ?

During climb, the engine began shaking, rattling, and losing power. The flight instructor performed an emergency off-airport landing. Substantial damage occurred to the wing leading edges and lower surfaces during rollout.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 Jan 2000 Beech F-33A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Jan 2000 involved a Beech F-33A, registration N1565A, at Mobile, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the manufacturer representative's improper reinstallation of the crankshaft counterweight snap rings which subsequently separated, allowing the crankshaft counterweight to contact the crankshaft resulting in a total power loss of engine power.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20389. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.