# NTSB SEA92LA095: Ryan ST-3KR, N4223P, Anacortes, WA, May 11, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 11, 1992, 15:20 local (22:20 UTC)
- Place: Anacortes, WA
- Coordinates: 48.460182, -122.59996 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.4602&lon=-122.6000&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41673
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA92LA095
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41673/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA92LA095

## Probable cause

LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE CRANKSHAFT COUNTERWEIGHT CAP SCREWS AND SEPARATION OF THE COUNTERWEIGHT.  A FACTOR RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE RESIDENTIAL AREA AND LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING.

## 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
  - eng assembly,crankshaft counterweights/vib damper - separation (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - residential area (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS TURNING FROM TAKEOFF LEG TO CROSSWIND WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT. HE INITIATED A FORCED LANDING ON A STREET IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA.  THE ACFT IMPACTED AN EMBANKMENT BESIDE THE STREET, SKIDDED ONTO THE STREET, GROUND LOOPED, AND WAS DESTROYED BY POST IMPACT FIRE.  EXAM OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THE AFT CRANKSHAFT COUNTERWEIGHT AND NO. 5 CYLINDER SEPARATED IN FLIGHT.  METALURGICAL EXAM OF THE CRANKSHAFT ASSY REVEALED FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE COUNTERWEIGHT CAP SCREWS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4223P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4223P-1992-09-23), registration cancelled 1992-09-23, S/N 1691 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Ryan ST-3KR
- Registry model: [Ryan Aeronautical ST3KR](https://openairdocs.org/model/ryan-aeronautical-st3kr) (registry code 7830502) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1691
- Airframe hours: 2203
- Engines: KINNER R-55 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Brewer, Lee A.
- Registered owner: Brewer, Lee A.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 1991, 36 hours before
- Departed: 74S, ANACORTES, WA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 3,200 total, 350 in this make and model, 2,880 as pilot in command, 14 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 57 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: NUW, 9 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 19920511014369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920511014369A), May 11, 1992: Ryan ST3KR, Anacortes, WA, Destroyed. Blew a jug on climbout. Crash landed on city street. NR5 cylinder lost aft engine counterweight began destruction

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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