Beechcraft A36 N262EA

Summary

On 17 August 2012 at about 18:45 local time, a Beechcraft A36 registered N262EA, operated by 21st Century Equipment, was involved in an accident near Ruleton, Kansas, United States. 3 people were 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

17 August 2012 at 18:45

Classification

Accident

Location

Ruleton, Kansas, United States

Coordinates

39.3405, -101.6998

Aircraft

Beechcraft A36

Registration

N262EA

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

21st Century Equipment

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Executive/Corporate

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Goodland → Fort Morgan

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

CEN12LA558

Nobody was injured.

The improper installation of the wastegate controller O-ring, which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

Shortly after leveling off at a cruise altitude of 8,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot noted that the engine rpm increased to above its red line limit (2,700 rpm). The pilot was able to reduce power to 2,500 rpm but was unable to restore thrust and maintain altitude, so he made a forced landing in a nearby wheat field. During postaccident examination, the engine turbocharger controller was found covered with oil. Examination of an elbow fitting on the turbocharger wastegate control revealed that an O-ring was improperly installed and flattened, which allowed oil to seep out. When the O-ring was reseated and the elbow fitting torqued, no seepage was observed.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.