# NTSB CHI91DER04: Bellanca Eagle DW-1, N8800W, Hector, MN, June 6, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: June 6, 1991, 07:15 local (13:15 UTC)
- Place: Hector, MN
- Coordinates: 44.740165, -94.709251 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.7402&lon=-94.7093&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report February 8, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14850
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91DER04
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14850/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91DER04

## Probable cause

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO THE TOTAL FAILURE OF A CONNECTING ROD. RELATED FACTORS ARE THE LOW MANEUVERING ALTITUDE AND THE UNSUITABLE (MUDDY) TERRAIN ENCOUNTERED DURING THE FORCED LANDING.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, maneuvering - aerial application
  - low pass, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - failure,total (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - open field
  - terrain condition - soft
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS INVOLVED IN AERIAL APPLICATION OF A PEST CONTROL SPRAY.  HE REPORTED THAT DURING THE LAST SWATH RUN THE ENGINE 'STARTED HAMMERING' AND EVENTUALLY LOST POWER COMPLETELY.  THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A MUDDY FIELD, AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL.  AN FAA INSPECTOR ATTENDED A POST ACCIDENT ENGINE TEARDOWN.  HE STATED THE NUMBER ONE CONNECTING ROD FRACTURED ABOVE THE ROD CAP ATTACH POINT, AND THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF GALLING ON THE REMAINING CONNECTING ROD JOURNALS.  A SERVICE BULLETIN PUBLISHED BY THE MANUFACTURER STATES 'GALLING...IS PRODUCED DURING OVERSPEED OR EXCESSIVE MANIFOLD OPERATION.'

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8800W](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8800W), registered now, S/N DW-1-0004-80, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA EAGLE DW-1
- Registry model: [Eagle Aircraft Co.-Bellanca EAGLE DW-1](https://openairdocs.org/model/eagle-aircraft-co-bellanca-eagle-dw-1) (registry code 3230202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: DW-1-0004-80
- Airframe hours: 2175
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-540-M1B5D 300 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Aerial application, Part 137
- Operator: Edgar T. Newberg
- Registered owner: Edgar T. Newberg
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Restricted (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, May 31, 1991, 2 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 35; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 1,597 total, 208 in this make and model, 1,555 as pilot in command, 60 in the last 90 days, 35 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 150° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19910606020359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910606020359A), Jun 6, 1991: Eagle DW1, Hector, MN, Substantial damage. Engine threw a connecting rod during ag run. Nosed over landing in soft field. Engine subjected to over-boost.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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