On October 12, 2000, a Bellanca BL17-30 (registration N4882V) was involved in an aviation accident near Waller, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of engine power during climb to cruise due to the failure of the crankshaft counterweight. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During climb, a pilot heard a loud engine sound and hard vibration, then lost power. Forced landing led to tree strike and terrain impact. Examination found a fractured crankshaft with evidence of counterweight escape and housing overload.
Accident Details
During the climb to cruise altitude at approximately 1,100 feet above ground level, the pilot heard a loud sound from the engine, followed by a hard vibration. The pilot turned the airplane toward the airport, after which the engine lost power. A forced landing was initiated to a field near the airport. During the landing, the airplane struck a tree and impacted terrain.
Engine Examination
A teardown examination of the engine revealed that the crankshaft had fractured at the lead bushing hole in the number 2 cheek counterweight housing. The crankshaft bump surface at the fractured leading end exhibited polishing, consistent with the counterweight making contact with that surface. The polishing could only have occurred if the rear pin had escaped from its position and the counterweight had stood up, thereby hitting the camshaft and crankcase as it moved through the engine. The counterweight housing was found to have fractured due to overload.
What happened in the 12 Oct 2000 Bellanca BL17-30 accident near Waller, TX?
During climb, a pilot heard a loud engine sound and hard vibration, then lost power. Forced landing led to tree strike and terrain impact. Examination found a fractured crankshaft with evidence of counterweight escape and housing overload.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 12 Oct 2000 involved a Bellanca BL17-30, registration N4882V, at Waller, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the loss of engine power during climb to cruise due to the failure of the crankshaft counterweight. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
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