Casualties unknown

2004-10-19: Cessna 150L (N6870G) — Denton, TX

Denton, TX, US

On October 19, 2004, a Cessna 150L (registration N6870G) was involved in an aviation accident near Denton, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to the separation of the accessory drive gear bolts, and the failure of the starter-clutch assembly. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A flight instructor reported engine power loss after takeoff, forcing a landing in a field where the left wing struck a tree. Investigation found starter clutch and accessory drive-gear bolts severed.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor with 2,292 hours of flight experience reported that the engine lost power shortly after takeoff. The instructor initiated a forced landing to a field. During the landing roll, the left wing of the airplane impacted a tree, after which the airplane came to rest upright.

Engine Examination

Review of the engine logbooks revealed that the starter clutch assembly had been replaced twice within the preceding 15.64 hours of operation. Examination of the engine found that the starter-clutch assembly would not rotate freely. The starter-clutch shaft was observed to be severed into two pieces. Additionally, the bolts that attach the accessory drive-gear to the camshaft were also found severed.

Conclusion

The investigation documented the mechanical failures found in the engine, including the non-rotating starter-clutch assembly, severed starter-clutch shaft, and severed accessory drive-gear bolts. No further analysis or probable cause was provided in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041022X01682. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.