Beechcraft V35B N6432X

Summary

On 26 January 2003 at about 22:36 local time, a Beechcraft V35B registered N6432X, operated by Ronald G. Moyer, was involved in an accident near Delaware City, Delaware, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 died. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

26 January 2003 at 22:36

Classification

Accident

Location

Delaware City, Delaware, United States

Nearest airport

New Castle County Airport (ILG)

Coordinates

39.5958, -75.5744

Aircraft

Beechcraft V35B

Registration

N6432X

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Ronald G. Moyer

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Philadelphia → Columbia

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night

NTSB number

NYC03FA043

2 people died.

The mechanic's improper engine overhaul. A factor was the night condition.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The airplane was in cruise flight at 4000 feet msl, at night, when the pilot reported a partial loss of engine power. Air traffic control provided a vector to the nearest airport, about 8 miles north of the airplane's position. About 7 miles from the airport, at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet, the pilot reported that he was not going to reach the airport. The airplane subsequently impacted terrain about 6 miles from the airport. Examination of the wreckage revealed an approximate 4-inch diameter hole on the top section of the crankcase, near the number two cylinder. Further examination of the engine at the manufacturer's facility revealed that a silicone sealant consistent with RTV was observed along mating surfaces where the cylinders attached to the case. The substance was also found on the through-bolts. The number two cylinder was found backed-off from the case. The engine case exhibited marks consistent with rubbing between the number two cylinder and the case. The number two piston ring had shattered. The number two piston skirt exhibited impact marks consistent with the skirt striking the case. The number two connecting rod exhibited elongated holes, consistent with an overstress failure, and the rod cap was not recovered. The top of the case exhibited two holes in the vicinity of the magnetos. A mechanic stated that he completed a top overhaul of the airplane engine about 3 months prior to the accident. The overhaul included the installation of six new cylinders. The mechanic reported that he added Permatex RTV (part number 27B) to the cylinder bases during engine assembly. The mechanic further stated that he had referred the manufacturer's service information letter regarding sealants, but it did not list RTV either pro or con. The mechanic stated that he did not refer to the manufacturer's service bulletin SB96-7B. That bulletin stated that the use of sealants or lubricants other than those specified by the manufacturer on mating threads and between mating surfaces can cause incorrect torque application and subsequent engine damage or failure.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.