Columbia LC41 550FG N8725

Summary

On 1 August 2017 at about 00:45 local time, a Columbia LC41 550FG registered N8725, operated by Peter Spanganberg, was involved in an incident near Chandler, Arizona, United States. 4 people were on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was slightly damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

1 August 2017 at 00:45

Classification

Incident

Location

Chandler, Arizona, United States

Coordinates

33.1542, -111.9269

Aircraft

Columbia LC41 550FG

Registration

N8725

Category

Airplane

Year built

2006

Engines

1

Operator

Peter Spanganberg

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Business

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Yuma → Queen Creek

Aircraft damage

Minor

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

WPR17IA173

Nobody was injured.

The over-tensioning of the accessory belt, which resulted in damage to the starter adapter and subsequent loss of oil that led to oil starvation and catastrophic engine failure.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

During the flight the pilot reported a loss of oil pressure followed by a decrease in manifold pressure. The pilot declared an emergency and requested landing clearance, however, the engine lost total power and he initiated a forced landing to a field where the airplane sustained minor damage. Postincident examination of the airplane revealed that the lower side of the fuselage was covered in oil and a hole was discovered in the engine’s crankcase. The examination of the engine revealed damage to the starter adapter assembly, which included the starter pulley, bearing, seal, and shaft, that was consistent with the over-tensioning of the accessory belt, which resulted in an excessive side-load. The damaged starter adapter assembly components ultimately resulted in the loss of engine oil and subsequent failure of several connecting rods due to oil starvation. A manufacturer Critical Service Bulletin provided instructions for an inspection of the starter adapter for indications of oil leakage at the shaft oil seal, however, review of the airplane maintenance records show that the service bulletin was not complied with.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.