# NTSB ERA12LA071: Siai-Marchetti S205-22R, N729WA, Okeechobee, FL, November 5, 2011 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 5, 2011, 10:45 local (14:45 UTC) - Place: Okeechobee, FL - Coordinates: 27.321945, -81.023887 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=27.3219&lon=-81.0239&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 27, 2013 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 82302 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA12LA071 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/82302/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=82302 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA071 ## Probable cause 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. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Electrical power system: alternator-generator drive sys](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022410): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Failure (probable cause); cases with it: [Siai-Marchetti S.205/22R, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022410/cases.md?model=8120412), [All aircraft, 25 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022410/cases.md) - [Maintenance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062000): Personnel issues › Task performance · Maintenance personnel (probable cause); cases with it: [Siai-Marchetti S.205/22R, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062000/cases.md?model=8120412), [All aircraft, 143 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02062000/cases.md) - [Engine (reciprocating)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500): Aircraft › Aircraft power plant · Failure (probable cause); cases with it: [Siai-Marchetti S.205/22R, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md?model=8120412), [All aircraft, 497 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01058500/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (partial)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342) (defining event); cases with it: [Siai-Marchetti S.205/22R, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md?model=8120412), [All aircraft, 1,858 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/342/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Ditching](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/441); cases with it: [Siai-Marchetti S.205/22R, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/441/sequence.md?model=8120412), [All aircraft, 186 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/441/sequence.md) ## Analysis 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. ## Factual narrative On November 5, 2011, at 1045 eastern daylight time, a Siai-Marchetti S205-22R, N729WA, experienced a partial loss of engine power during climbout from the River Acres Airport (FD70), Okeechobee, Florida. The pilot performed a forced landing in the Kissimmee River, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight destined for North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45), West Palm Beach, Florida. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that during the climbout, approximately 200 feet above ground level, the engine lost partial power and was running rough. The pilot verified that the mixture was in the full rich position and applied carburetor heat in an unsuccessful attempt to restore the engine to full power. He maintained airspeed and elected to land in the Kissimmee River which was straight ahead. The fuselage buckled during the forced landing. Earlier in the day, the pilot completed a preflight inspection and noted that the engine contained 8 quarts of oil. In addition, the pilot fueled the airplane with about 30 gallons of fuel prior to flying to FD70. An FAA inspector completed a post accident examination of the engine and noted that it was partially seized and oil was present. In addition, the alternator drive adaptor did not function. The alternator drive adaptor was removed and disassembled. The alternator drive shaft was bent and the drive gear exhibited extensive wear and the metal 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 driven alternator drive adaptor was not located. The alternator was on the maximum setting of the alternator adjustment link. Review of the maintenance records revealed that on October 21, 2011, the alternator was replaced by the pilot/owner and was signed off by an airframe and powerplant mechanic. At that time, the airplane had accumulated 2,116 total hours of flight time. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated 2,118 total hours of flight time. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N729WA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N729WA-2017-10-24), registration cancelled 2017-10-24, S/N 388, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: SIAI-MARCHETTI S205-22R - Registry model: [Siai-Marchetti S.205/22R](https://openairdocs.org/model/siai-marchetti-s-205-22r) (registry code 8120412) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Franklin 6V 350 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/franklin-6v-350-series) (registry code 27043, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 388 - Airframe hours: 2118 - Engines: Franklin 6A350C1R 220 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Orlandi Charles R III - Registered owner: Orlandi Charles R III - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 15, 2011 - Departed: FD70, Okeechobee, FL - Destination: F45, Palm Beach, FL - Airport: FD70, River Acres Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 48; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 16, 2010; seat: left; flight hours: 250 total, 40 in this make and model, 180 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 340° at 12 knots, gusting 15 - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 30.02 inHg - Observed at: OBE, 10 nm away ## 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 20111105025839A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20111105025839A), Nov 5, 2011: Siai-Marchetti S.205/22R, Okeechobee, FL, Substantial damage. Aircraft flew out of kobe airport and made emergency landing in the kissimmee river. ## Docket (12 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on January 25, 2013, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=82302. 12.7 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 506 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40364086&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Pilot Interview Summary (item 2, .PDF, 93 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40364087&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Interview%20Summary-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector Statement (item 3, .PDF, 16 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370645&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Memorandum of Record: FAA Inspector (item 4, .PDF, 93 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40370642&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Record%3A%20FAA%20Inspector-Master.PDF - FAA Email about Hobbs Time (item 5, .PDF, 55 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40365750&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Email%20about%20Hobbs%20Time-Master.PDF - Excerpts from Maintenance Logs (item 6, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40364088&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpts%20from%20Maintenance%20Logs-Redacted.PDF - Excerpt from Franklin Engine Illustrated Parts Catalog (item 7, .PDF, 328 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40369119&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpt%20from%20Franklin%20Engine%20Illustrated%20Parts%20Catalog-Master.PDF - OBE Weather Observations (item 8, .PDF, 138 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40364089&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=OBE%20Weather%20Observations-Master.PDF - Photo 1: View of alternator and alternator drive gear without belt (Courtesy of FAA) (item 9, .PDF, 2.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40369122&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%3A%20View%20of%20alternator%20and%20alternator%20drive%20gear%20without%20belt%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 2: View of bent alternator drive gear shaft (Courtesy of FAA) (item 10, .PDF, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40369123&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%3A%20View%20of%20bent%20alternator%20drive%20gear%20shaft%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 3: View of Damaged Drive Gear (Courtesy of FAA) (item 11, .PDF, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40369124&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%3A%20View%20of%20Damaged%20Drive%20Gear%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 4: View of metal shavings found on accessory section of engine (Courtesy of FAA) (item 12, .PDF, 2.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40369125&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%204%3A%20View%20of%20metal%20shavings%20found%20on%20accessory%20section%20of%20engine%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.