Aero Mercantil S A GAVILAN 358 EL-1 3500Z

Summary

On 1 February 1992 at about 20:29 local time, a Aero Mercantil S A GAVILAN 358 EL-1 registered 3500Z, operated by Aero Mercantil S.a., was involved in an accident near Columbus, Mississippi, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

1 February 1992 at 20:29

Classification

Accident

Location

Columbus, Mississippi, United States

Coordinates

33.5009, -88.4008

Aircraft

Aero Mercantil S A GAVILAN 358 EL-1

Registration

3500Z

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Aero Mercantil S.a.

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Ferry

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Lock Haven → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA92LA076

1 person had minor injuries.

FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE CRANKSHAFT DUE TO IMPROPER ENGINE ASSEMBLY BY THE MANUFACTURER.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

WHILE DESCENDING TO LAND, THE ENG QUIT. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING THE LANDING ROLL FOLLOWING THE FORCED LANDING. THE ACFT WAS RECOVERED & TAKEN TO A FACILITY WHERE THE ENG WAS REMOVED FOR EXAMINATION. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT FAILED NEAR THE REAR MAIN BEARING. ALSO, EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT THE REAR MAIN BEARING SPUN IN ITS SUPPORT AND WAS PARTIALLY EXTRUDED INTO THE ACCESSORY SECTION. EXAMINATION OF THE CRANKCASE HALVES ADJACENT TO THE REAR MAIN BEARING INDICATED FRETTING. THE ENG HAD ACCUMULATED 174 HRS SINCE NEW. METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE CRANKSHAFT REVEALED THAT IT FAILED DUE TO HIGH CYCLE FATIGUE.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.