# NTSB SEA91LA031: Beech 3NM, N9159B, Bozeman, MT, December 9, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 9, 1990, 15:26 local (22:26 UTC)
- Place: Bozeman, MT
- Coordinates: 45.260784, -111.319473 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.2608&lon=-111.3195&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 8, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41372
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA91LA031
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41372/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA91LA031

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE RIGHT ENGINE MASTER ROD.

## 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, climb - to cruise
  - 1 engine
  - engine assembly,master rod (contributing factor)
  - engine assembly,crankshaft - seized (cause)
  - propeller system/accessories - separation (cause)

## Analysis

A BEECH 3NM SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE WHEN THE RIGHT ENGINE MASTER ROD FAILED AND THE CRANKSHAFT SEIZED. THE PROPELLER SEPARATED AND STRUCK THE NOSE OF THE AIRPLANE, DOING STRUCTURAL DAMAGE AND SHEARING OFF A NOSE FUEL TANK. THE PILOT RETURNED SAFELY TO HIS DEPARTURE POINT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9159B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9159B-2013-06-10), registration cancelled 2013-06-10, S/N CA-242, built 1988 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BEECH 3NM
- Registry model: [Beech 3NM](https://openairdocs.org/model/beech-3nm) (registry code 1151044) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Amateur-built UNKNOWN ENG](https://openairdocs.org/engine/amateur-built-unknown-eng) (registry code 99999) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: CA 242
- Engines: P&W R-985 450 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Wayne G Meyer
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Destination: TWF, TWIN FALLS, ID
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: BZN, Gallatin Field

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 3,600 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 45 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: BZN, 20 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 19901209059319A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901209059319A), Dec 9, 1990: Beech 3NM, Bozeman, MT, Substantial damage. Crankshaft master rod failed. Sudden engine stoppage failed shaft at prop hub. Prop assembly hit nose of aircraft.

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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