2025-02 · NASA ASRS report 2216441
EMB-505 flight crew noticed vibration in cruise flight and reduced speed to minimize the rumbling. After landing it was noted that the left engine was missing half its cowling.
During a flight to deliver an airplane from the paint shop to the owner; at cruise altitude and cruise power with autopilot engaged; there was a sudden and noticeable pop sound with an associated rumble and aircraft buffet. The aircraft did not display any other characteristics. Autopilot was immediately disengaged as we (pilot and copilot; the only members onboard) began troubleshooting to try to identify the source of the abnormality. I also slowed the airplane down and that reduced the rumble. Pressurization remained constant and airplane behaved normally with normal engine indications. We suspected an external door had opened in flight. There were no visual indications that we could see. I elected to continue to our destination as we now had no controllability issues or any abnormal indications from the cockpit. I maintained a slower than normal cruise speed to reduce the rumbling. The remainder of the flight proceeded without further event. After landing and aircraft shutdown the airplane was visually inspected. The #1 engine cowling (left side) had departed the aircraft in-flight and only half of one of the panels was still partially connected by a few of the fasteners.
This flight was a mission to deliver an aircraft from a paint shop to an owner. During the cruise portion of the flight; with the autopilot engaged; the crew noticed a noise and subsequent control movement and vibration. Determination was made that aircraft control was not compromised; and speed was slowed to reduce vibration. The flight was continued under reduced speed and concluded with a normal approach and landing. Upon post-flight inspection; it was noted that 3/4 of the cowling on the left engine was missing from the aircraft.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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