Incident Overview
On 20 May 2001 at 1600Z, a Cessna T206H aircraft, registration ZS-OXI, was involved in an incident during a private flight. The aircraft departed from Lanseria Aerodrome with two persons on board. Weather conditions were fine with light and variable wind, temperature 20°C, and CAVOK.
Sequence of Events
Shortly after take-off from Lanseria aerodrome, the engine began running rough. The pilot observed that the cylinder head temperature started to fluctuate, oil temperature was increasing, and fuel flow was decreasing. Subsequently, a loud bang was heard, the engine failed, and the propeller became stationary. The pilot broadcast a may-day call on the Lanseria tower frequency (124.0 MHz) and executed a forced landing on a nearby ploughed field. The aircraft came to rest without damage, and no injuries were sustained by the occupants.
Probable Cause
The engine failed in cruise flight as a result of a crankshaft fracture through the cheek and counterweight ear forward of the #6 crankpin journal, most probably due to an overstress condition.