Siai-Marchetti S205-22R N729WA

Summary

On 5 November 2011 at about 14:45 local time, a Siai-Marchetti S205-22R registered N729WA, operated by Orlandi Charles R III, was involved in an accident near Okeechobee, Florida, United States. One person was on board and nobody was injured. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

5 November 2011 at 14:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Okeechobee, Florida, United States

Nearest airport

River Acres Airport (FD70)

Coordinates

27.3219, -81.0239

Aircraft

Siai-Marchetti S205-22R

Registration

N729WA

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Orlandi Charles R III

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Okeechobee → Palm Beach

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA12LA071

Nobody was injured.

A partial loss of engine power due to a failure of the drive bearings in the alternator drive system. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, during climbout, the engine lost partial power and was running rough. The pilot was unable to restore the engine to full power and made a forced landing in a river. Examination and partial disassembly of the engine revealed that the alternator drive adaptor did not function, the alternator drive gear exhibited extensive wear, and the gear teeth were smeared. The alternator drive bearings were not present, and metal particles were found throughout the oil system in the engine. In addition, the engine alternator drive belt that was driven by the engine was not located and the alternator adjustment was on the maximum setting. According to the engine maintenance log, the alternator was replaced by the pilot/owner and was signed off by an airframe and powerplant mechanic. The airplane had accumulated 2 hours of flight time since the alternator was replaced by the pilot/owner. It is likely that the added pressure to the crankshaft from the alternator drive shaft and the metal in the engine resulted in the engine losing partial power.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.