Service difficulty report · Turbine Blades

Difficulty date
January 19, 2009
Submitted
April 9, 2009
Operation
General aviation
Engine
Pwa PT6A34AG
Part
Turbine Blades
Condition
Failed
Location
Engine
Stage of operation
CL
How discovered
O
Nature of condition
R, Y, J
Precautionary procedure
B, A

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

What was found

(CAN) DURING A SPRAY RUN, AFTER A NORMAL T/O, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE PILOT IMMEDIATELY DUMPED THE CONTENTS OF THE HOPPER BEFORE MAKING A FORCED LANDING IN AN UNPLANTED FIELD. THE TOUCHDOWN WAS SMOOTH, HOWEVER AFTER APPROX 50 FEET, THE WHEELS DUG IN AND THE ACFT NOSED OVER. THE PROPELLER HIT THE GROUND BEFORE THA ACFT FELL BACK ON ITS TAIL WHEEL. THE PILOT WAS NOT INJURED AND IT APPEARS THAT THE DAMAGE TO THE ACFT IS LIMITED TO THE PROPELLER. ENGINE DISASSEMBLY AT MFG REVEALED CT AND PT BLADE FRACTURES. PARTS WILL BE REQUESTED FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. MFG WILL CONTINUE INVESTIGATING THE EVENT AND ADVISE OF ROOT CAUSE ONCE ESTABLISHED.