No fatalities

Turbocharger Failure Leads to Forced Landing and Fire (N699DT)

Gadsden, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On June 10, 1993, a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II (registration N699DT) operated by Five Star Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Gadsden, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the left engine turbocharger due to rotor shaft seizure, which resulted in a loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archiveUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported a loud noise and smoke from the left engine after takeoff, feathered the propeller, and force-landed in wooded terrain. The aircraft caught fire and was destroyed. Inspection revealed a seized turbocharger rotor shaft.

Overview

According to the pilot's report, shortly after takeoff from runway 36, a loud noise was heard from the left engine area. Smoke was observed trailing the left engine nacelle. The pilot confirmed that the left engine was losing power and subsequently feathered the left propeller. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot performed a forced landing on wooded terrain. The aircraft caught fire after colliding with trees and was destroyed.

Inspection Findings

An inspection of the left engine turbocharger revealed that the rotor shaft was seized. Evidence of metal transfer to the bearing journals was noted, consistent with a seizure event.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause is the failure of the left engine turbocharger due to rotor shaft seizure, which resulted in a loss of engine power.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jun 1993 Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II accident near Gadsden, United States of America?

A pilot reported a loud noise and smoke from the left engine after takeoff, feathered the propeller, and force-landed in wooded terrain. The aircraft caught fire and was destroyed. Inspection revealed a seized turbocharger rotor shaft.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jun 1993 Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jun 1993 involved a Cessna 421B Golden Eagle II, registration N699DT, operated by Five Star Aviation, at Gadsden, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the left engine turbocharger due to rotor shaft seizure, which resulted in a loss of engine power.