NTSB Reports August 2013: Recent General Aviation and Air Carrier Accidents

At about 0830 Eastern time, the airplane was substantially damaged during a forced landing. The engine lost all power shortly after takeoff. The airline transport pilot sustained minor injuries and a passenger was not injured. Visual conditions prevailed. The pilot reported taking off and climbed to 2500 feet msl when the engine began to vibrate and lose power, and the cabin began to fill with white smoke. The pilot shut down the engine and performed a forced landing to a soy bean field. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over. The airplane was equipped with a Franklin 6A-350-C1, 220-hp engine. Initial examination revealed the No. 4 cylinder head was partially separated and the No. 4 cylinder piston was displaced.

Key Takeaways:

• Multiple incidents involved engine power loss, stemming from both mechanical failures (e.g., cylinder separation) and pilot-preventable issues like contaminated fuel.
• Several accidents highlighted poor pilot judgment and decision-making, including inadequate pre-flight checks, improper landing techniques (e.g., tailwind, unlit airstrip), and multitasking during critical phases.
• A significant number of accidents resulted from a loss of aircraft control, particularly during takeoff, landing, or while maneuvering, often leading to collision with terrain or obstacles.
• Incidents also illustrate the dangers of operating beyond pilot or aircraft limits, such as flying while overweight or in challenging environmental conditions (e.g., mountain passes, IMC).

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