SDR 2012FA0000070

Service difficulty report · Piston · Hughes 269C1

Difficulty date: January 14, 2012
Submitted: January 27, 2012
Operation: General aviation
Aircraft: N1868S
Make and model: Hughes 269C1
Aircraft serial: 0229
Aircraft time: 3,946 hours
Engine: Lyc HIO360G1A
Engine time: 3,919 hours
System (JASC): 8520 · Reciprocating Engine Power Section
Part: Piston
Condition: Failed
Location: Nr 4 Cylinder
Part time: 3,919 hours
Stage of operation: CR
How discovered: O
Nature of condition: E, R, Y
Precautionary procedure: B, R, A

As reported to the FAA. Reports are unverified, and codes are left as the FAA publishes them.

What was found

NORMAL TAKEOFF, HOVER, AND STEADY LEVEL FLIGHT. 30 MINUTES ENROUTE, SUDDEN VIBRATIONS FOLLOWED BY LOW RPM WARNING LIGHT & HORN. VERIFIED DROPPING NEEDLES AND LOWERED COLLECTIVE FOR AUTOROTATION. CHECKING AIRSPEED GAUGE AT 40KTS, ADJUSTED FORWARD CYCLIC FOR MORE AIRSPEED. VIBRATIONS STOPPED AND ENGINE QUIT. ESTABLISHED AUTOROTATION, LOOKED FOR LANDING SPOT, AIRSPEED 60-70KTS, FLARED AND LANDED. UPON VISUAL INSPECTION OF ENGINE, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF NR 4 CYLINDER, PISTON.