Waco YMF-5 N820MM

Summary

On 2 April 1999 at about 20:57 local time, a Waco YMF-5 registered N820MM was involved in an accident near Boca Raton, Florida, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, 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

2 April 1999 at 20:57

Classification

Accident

Location

Boca Raton, Florida, United States

Coordinates

Not recorded

Aircraft

Waco YMF-5

Registration

N820MM

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Ft. Lauderdale → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

MIA99LA117

1 person was seriously injured.

The pilot's failure to select a suitable forced landing site following a partial loss of engine power due to failed cylinder holdddown studs, and the subsequent collision with trees. A factor in the accident was the reduced forward visibility from the dual open cockpits due to windshield obscuration by engine oil.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during maneuvering flight, at about 500 feet agl, and 1/2 mile offshore, the engine and cowling began to shake, the engine began to sputter, and the windscreens became covered with oil. He made a turn westbound toward land, and declared an emergency, intending to land at the nearest airport. He reported the engine power available would not sustain level flight, and he started a slow descent. Neither the pilot nor his front seat passenger acquired a visual on the airport. The pilot overflew the airport and forced landed in a residential area 2 miles west of the airport. Examination of the engine revealed failure of the 12 cylinder holddown studs of the No. 7 cylinder.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.