Mechanical & Engine Failure · NTSB CEN09LA444
BEECH TC-45J — Verdel, NE
| Date | July 19, 2009 |
| Location | Verdel, NE |
| Aircraft | BEECH TC-45J |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Unknown |
| Phase / occurrence | Emergency descent Loss of engine power (total) |
| Pilot age | Unknown |
| Pilot total time | Unknown |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 1, 1 serious |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Personnel issues-Experience/knowledge-Experience/qualifications-Qualification/certification-Pilot - C
- Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Decision making/judgment-Pilot - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft handling/service-Maintenance/inspections-Time limits-Not inspected - C
- Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-Recip eng cyl section-Failure - F
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-(general)-Not attained/maintained - C
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
What happened
The private pilot/owner and a passenger were transporting the pilot's multi-engine airplane to another airport so it could undergo an annual inspection. Shortly after departure, the right engine began to vibrate violently and the pilot elected to make a forced landing to a pasture. The airplane caught on fire and both radial engines separated from the airframe and sustained impact damage. The pilot was not rated by the FAA to operate multi-engine airplanes and he had not received any formal training in the airplane. The accident flight was his first time flying the airplane by himself. The airplane had not received an annual inspection in approximately 8 years prior to the accident. Examination of the right engine revealed extensive mechanical damage possibly due to a connecting rod failure.