On January 26, 2003, a Luscombe 8F (registration N1484B) was involved in an aviation accident near Newport, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fatigue failure of a the cylinder wall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During descent, the engine lost total power and the cabin filled with smoke. The pilot executed a forced landing, striking trees and impacting a snow bank. Examination revealed a fatigue fracture in the number one cylinder barrel.
Narrative
During the descent for landing, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The cabin began to fill with smoke, prompting the pilot to perform a forced landing to the airport. During the maneuver, the airplane struck trees and subsequently impacted a snow bank.
Examination
Post-incident examination of the airplane uncovered a hole in the outer wall of the number one cylinder barrel. The cylinder was sent to the Safety Board Materials Lab for detailed analysis. The lab determined that the fracture occurred in the cylinder barrel between the third and sixth cooling fins from the mounting flange. Major portions of the fracture exhibited fatigue features that initiated from the radius between the third and fourth fins, approximately in line with the exhaust valve. No defects were found at the origin area of the fatigue cracking. The cylinder had accumulated approximately 530 hours of total operation.
What happened in the 26 Jan 2003 Luscombe 8F accident near Newport, ME?
During descent, the engine lost total power and the cabin filled with smoke. The pilot executed a forced landing, striking trees and impacting a snow bank. Examination revealed a fatigue fracture in the number one cylinder barrel.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Jan 2003 involved a Luscombe 8F, registration N1484B, at Newport, ME.
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