Engine Failure Leads to Ground Loop of Rockwell S-2R at Parys Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • 200m South of the threshold of Runway 06 - Parys, ZA

A Rockwell Intl S-2R experienced a sudden engine failure shortly after takeoff from Parys Aerodrome, resulting in a ground loop and wingtip strike.

What happened

On December 30, 1999, a Rockwell Intl S-2R, registered ZS-LOA, departed from Runway 24 at Parys Aerodrome. Shortly after lifting off and initiating a left turn, the pilot reported hearing an unusual winding sound, followed by engine backfires. Within seconds, the engine lost power completely.

In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot tried to land on the adjacent grass runway. During this maneuver, the right wingtip and the landing gear struck the ground. The aircraft subsequently entered a ground loop, coming to rest approximately 30 meters from the initial point of impact. There were no injuries to the pilot.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the engine components to determine the source of the power loss. The investigation focused on the supercharger assembly to identify why the engine failed so abruptly after takeoff.

Findings

Technical analysis revealed that the supercharger impeller (Part No. 12788) failed, which led to a significant loss of engine power. The investigation established that the failure originated from the deformation of the carrier ring (Part No. 47033). This deformation created excessive play on the impeller shaft. Because the impeller rotates at seven times the engine's RPM, this instability caused the impeller to make contact with the inlet casing. The resulting friction and metal shaving against the casing induced metal fatigue, eventually causing several impeller vanes to fail.

Probable cause

The engine failure was caused by the failure of the supercharger impeller vanes, which resulted from excessive shaft play caused by a deformed carrier ring.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-12-30 Rockwell Intl S-2R accident near 200m South of the threshold of Runway 06 - Parys, ZA?

A Rockwell Intl S-2R experienced a sudden engine failure shortly after takeoff from Parys Aerodrome, resulting in a ground loop and wingtip strike.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-12-30 involved a Rockwell Intl S-2R, registration ZS-LOA, at 200m South of the threshold of Runway 06 - Parys, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was caused by the failure of the supercharger impeller vanes, which resulted from excessive shaft play caused by a deformed carrier ring.

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