# NTSB FTW92LA164: Cessna 320D, N3307Q, Aztec, NM, June 18, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1992, 12:18 local (18:18 UTC)
- Place: Aztec, NM
- Coordinates: 36.819927, -107.999084 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.8199&lon=-107.9991&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 9, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 18519
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW92LA164
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/18519/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW92LA164

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE RIGHT PROPELLER TO FEATHER AND INOPERATIVE GEAR RETRACTION SYSTEM. FACTORS WERE THE HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE AND THE POWER LOSS DUE TO CONNECTING ROD FAILURE.

## 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, descent - normal
  - 1 engine
  - engine assembly,connecting rod - separation (contributing factor)
  - powerplant - failure,total (contributing factor)
  - propeller feathering - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
  - gear retraction - not possible, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - weather condition - high density altitude (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment

## Analysis

A COMMERCIAL PILOT WAS FERRYING A LIGHT TWIN AIRPLANE WITH THE LANDING GEAR EXTENDED. AS THE PILOT STARTED HIS DESCENT TO LAND, THE NUMBER SIX CONNECTING ROD ON THE RIGHT ENGINE FAILED. THE PILOT WAS NOT ABLE TO FEATHER THE PROPELLER ON THE RIGHT ENGINE. ALTITUDE COULD NOT BE MAINTAINED WITH A WINDMILLING PROPELLER AND THE GEAR EXTENDED. A FORCED LANDING WAS MADE TO A HEAVILY TRAVELLED HIGHWAY. DAMAGE TO THE AIRPLANE OCCURRED WHEN THE PILOT ELECTED TO VEER OFF THE HIGHWAY TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. DENSITY ALTITUDE WAS 10,900 FEET. THE PROPELLER FAILURE TO FEATHER WAS CAUSED BY THE PROPELLER GOVERNOR BEING OUT OF ADJUSTMENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3307Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3307Q-2012-03-23), registration cancelled 2012-03-23, S/N 320D0107, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 320D
- Registry model: [Cessna 320D](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-320d) (registry code 2074512) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental GTSIO-520-C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-gtsio-520-c) (registry code 17035, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 320D0107
- Engines: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520B 285 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Dabbs, Thurman C.
- Registered owner: Dabbs, Thurman C.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 2, 2000
- Departed: ABQ, ALBUQUERQUE, NM
- Destination: Q19, AZTEC, NM

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 52; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 2,828 total, 2 in this make and model, 2,656 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 90 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FMN, 12 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 19920618021159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920618021159A), Jun 18, 1992: Cessna 320D, Azetc, NM, Substantial damage. Lost right engine power near destination. Unable feather. Gear locked down. Unable stay aloft. NR6 push rod failed.

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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