Date & Time:
Dec 29, 2021 at 1622 LT
Type of aircraft:
Cessna 207 Skywagon/Stationair
Operator:
Registration:
N1596U
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Lake, Sea, Ocean, River
Schedule:
Marathon - Naples
MSN:
207-0196
YOM:
1971
Country:
United States of America
Region:
North America
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
0
Pax on board:
2
Pax fatalities:
0
Other fatalities:
0
Total fatalities:
0
Captain / Total hours on type:
176
Aircraft flight hours:
13496
Circumstances:
Shortly after departure, the engine lost total power and the pilot was forced to ditch in open water; the occupants egressed and were subsequently rescued by a recreational vessel. Examination of the engine revealed a fracture hole near the n°2 cylinder, which was likely the result of the n°2 cylinder connecting rod fracturing in fatigue as a result of high heat and high stress associated with failure of the n°2 bearing. The fatigue fracture displayed multiple origins consistent with relatively high cyclic stress, which likely occurred as excessive clearances developed between the bearing and the crankshaft journal. The n°2 connecting rod bearing may have failed due to a material defect in the bearing itself or due to a disruption in the oil lubrication supply to the bearing/journal interface. Either situation can cause similar damage patterns to develop, including excessive heating and subsequent bearing failure.
Probable cause:
A total loss of engine power due to the failure of the No. 2 bearing, which resulted in the n°2 connecting rod failing due to fatigue, high heat, and stress.
Final Report:
N1596U.pdf3.56 MB
