# NTSB MIA92LA076: Aero Mercantil Gavilan 358 EL-1, N3500Z, Columbus, MS, February 1, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 1, 1992, 14:29 local (20:29 UTC)
- Place: Columbus, MS
- Coordinates: 33.500942, -88.400794 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5009&lon=-88.4008&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 33059
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA92LA076
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/33059/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA92LA076

## Probable cause

FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE CRANKSHAFT DUE TO IMPROPER ENGINE ASSEMBLY BY THE MANUFACTURER.

## 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
  - engine assembly,crankshaft - failure,total (cause)
  - maintenance - improper, manufacturer (cause)
  - engine assembly,crankshaft - fatigue (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

WHILE DESCENDING TO LAND, THE ENG QUIT.  ATTEMPTS TO RESTART WERE UNSUCCESSFUL.  THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING THE LANDING ROLL FOLLOWING THE FORCED LANDING.  THE ACFT WAS RECOVERED & TAKEN TO A FACILITY WHERE THE ENG WAS REMOVED FOR EXAMINATION.  EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT FAILED NEAR THE REAR MAIN BEARING. ALSO, EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT THE REAR MAIN BEARING SPUN IN ITS SUPPORT AND WAS PARTIALLY EXTRUDED INTO THE ACCESSORY SECTION.  EXAMINATION OF THE CRANKCASE HALVES ADJACENT TO THE REAR MAIN BEARING INDICATED FRETTING. THE ENG HAD ACCUMULATED 174 HRS SINCE NEW.  METALLURGICAL EXAMINATION OF THE CRANKSHAFT REVEALED THAT IT FAILED DUE TO HIGH CYCLE FATIGUE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N3500Z (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: AERO MERCANTIL S.A. GAVILAN 358 EL-1 (GAVILAN 35)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: LA-P-001
- Airframe hours: 174
- Engines: LYCOMING TIO-540-W2A 350 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Aero Mercantil S.A.
- Registered owner: Aero Mercantil S.A.
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Unknown, January 2, 2000
- Departed: LHV, LOCK HAVEN, PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 13,000 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CBM, 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 19920201028699A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920201028699A), Feb 1, 1992: Piper PA22150, Columbus, MS, Substantial damage. Engine quit on descent to land. Hit trees landing. Crankshaft failed due high cycle fatigue. 174HRS since new.

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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