# NTSB MIA85IA120: Douglas DC-6B, N55CA, Miami, FL, March 15, 1985

- Type: NTSB incident investigation
- Classification: Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report
- Date: March 15, 1985, 02:55 local (07:55 UTC)
- Place: Miami, FL
- Location: 25.7743° N, 80.1937° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Miami, FL, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=25.7743&lon=-80.1937&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31282
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85IA120
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31282/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85IA120

## 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, takeoff - roll/run
  - engine assembly - failure,total (cause)
  - aborted takeoff - initiated, pilot in command
  - engine assembly - undetermined (cause)
- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - roll/run
  - propeller system/accessories - overload (contributing factor)

## Analysis

CREW STATED THAT ON TAKEOFF ROLL THE NUMBER FOUR ENGINE FAILED AND AN ABORTED TAKEOFF WAS INTIATED. DURING THE DECELLERATION AFTER THE THROTTLES WERE CLOSED THE NUMBER FOUR ENGINE SEIZED AND THE NUMBER FOUR PROPELLER SEPARATED WHEN THE PROPELLER SHAFT FAILED. INSPECTION OF THE PROPELLER SHAFT REVEALED IT SHEARED OFF EIGHT INCHES FROM THE TIP,AND EXHIBITED NO EVIDENCE OF A PRIOR CRACK. INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE OIL SCREENS REVEALED THE PRECENTS OF METAL CONTAMINATION. THE OPERATOR HAD NO PLANS TO DISASSEMBLE THE ENGINE. BUT PLANNED TO EXCHANGE IT FOR AN OVERHAULED ENGINE. THE EXPCT CAUSE OF THE ENGINES INTERNAL FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N55CA](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N55CA-2013-04-18), registration cancelled 2013-04-18, S/N 45328 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: DOUGLAS DC-6B
- Registry model: [Douglas DC-6B](https://openairdocs.org/model/douglas-dc-6b) (registry code 3021712) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25328
- Airframe hours: 41074
- Engines: P&W R2800-CB16/17 2400 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Part 129
- Operator: Apa International Air, S.A.
- Registered owner: F. A. Conner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Transport
- Last inspection: AAIP, February 27, 1985, 31 hours before
- Destination: SDO, SANTO DOMINGO, OF
- Flight plan: IFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 21,800 total, 12,000 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 61 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MIA

## FAA reports on this event (1)

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

- [Incident 19850315069759I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850315069759I), Mar 15, 1985: Doug DC6B, Miami, FL, Minor damage. Aborted takeoff after engine power drop. During deceleration phase engine seized and propeller separated.

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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